The big-league movie plans were over before they ever began.
Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, Ryan Mountcastle and Gunnar Henderson had plans to see “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Then Rutschman’s phone rang.
It was the Baltimore Orioles’ front office with trade deadline news: Rutschman had been dealt.
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Among Monday’s flurry of MLB headlines, Rutschman’s move to the Boston Red Sox stood out as one of the biggest. The former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star had spent his entire major league career in Baltimore.
Adley Rutschman No. 35 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to first base during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on July 18, 2026. (Getty Images)
Boston landed Rutschman and catcher Jake Rogers, sending top pitching prospects Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, outfielder Enddy Azocar, catcher Carlos Narvaez and a player to be named later to Baltimore.
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A low-key afternoon with the boys quickly turned into an emotional goodbye for one of the Orioles’ closest-knit groups. Speaking to the media a day later, Cowser described the ill-fated movie plans that turned into a trade deadline farewell.
“There was some shock there,” Cowser recalled when describing the moment Rutschman received the news.
Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during the 2026 All-Star player photoshoot at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa. (MLB Photos)
“You could kind of see it on his face that something might have been brewing up. I guess you could say there’s a little bit of shock factor. It was pretty emotional yesterday. I think that the initial shock of it was something that was tough to see. Definitely some sadness there, and all I could do was give him a hug and tell him that I’m here for him and I love him. So yeah, it was obviously tough.”
Cowser also reflected on what Rutschman meant to the clubhouse.
“He’s an exceptional talent, can hit from both sides of the plate, exceptional on defense, and someone who’s been anchoring this team for the past four-and-a-half years. He’s truly going to be missed here. And as a friend, he’s someone who’s grown really close to me.”
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Rutschman, meanwhile, acknowledged the emotions of leaving the only organization he’d known while turning the page to Boston.
“Played my entire career there and been a lot of unbelievable memories, made a lot of great friends for life,” Rutschman said, via MLB.com. “It’s tough goodbyes, but we’re onto the next thing and excited to be here and playing. It’s all part of the game.”
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, left, and pitcher Ryan Helsley celebrate their 8-6 win over the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game, Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
One minute, Rutschman was headed to see the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.
The next, he was headed to Boston, repping a brand-new team.
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Over seven seasons, Rutschman helped transform the Orioles from a rebuilding club into an American League contender.
The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up developed into one of baseball’s top catchers, earning three All-Star nods while batting .254 with 69 home runs, 277 RBIs and a .756 OPS (572 games) with Baltimore.
The Red Sox landed their catcher. Four Orioles never made it to the movies.
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