Wondering how Orioles handle catching in 2022

The promotion of No. 1 prospect Adley Rutschman from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk was bound to create more discussion about the wisdom of bringing him to the majors by September versus waiting until 2022.

Another 100-loss season creates arguments from both sides. Either it's a good reason to delay it or the exact reason why it should be done, as if there's really nothing to lose besides more games.

Rutschman ended the 2019 season with a handful of games at low Single-A Delmarva. He didn't have a 2020 minor league season due to its cancellation. His first Triple-A at-bats came last night, when he had a single, double, RBI and run scored.

There's more.

Starting his service clock has to be a consideration, as does the possibility of a work stoppage with the collective bargaining agreement expiring on Dec. 1. Anyone on the 40-man roster is prohibited from playing in minor league games.

The loudest dissenters will point out that Rutschman turns 24 in February. He's a college player chosen first-overall in 2019. First baseman Andrew Vaughn, selected third by the White Sox out of the University of California, made his major league debut on April 2.

Vaughn has played the outfield and first base, less demanding positions than catcher, but he's already shed the minors.

I'm still doubting that the Orioles bump Rutschman another level this year. So, let's circle back to 2022 - or circle ahead to it.

The Orioles must prepare in the offseason as if Rutschman is going to be their starting catcher, whether he breaks camp with the job or it comes a little later. He's their guy.

A backup must be targeted, and they don't take up much in payroll. He must be a veteran trusted to mentor Rutschman and satisfied with limited starts. There's no competition here. The pecking order is made clear.

Austin Wynns is an in-house possibility, though he's out of minor league options. Don't know whether that's a strike against him in the eyes of the front office.

Brett Cumberland is batting .194/.369/.354 with Norfolk and still working to improve defensively, and would need the Orioles to reverse field from the "veteran mentor" plan.

The last time that the Orioles carried two rookies whose primary position was catcher? Only three years ago with Wynns and Chance Sisco.

There's also the following, courtesy of STATS:

Guillermo Quiroz (56 games) and Omir Santos (11) in 2008
J.R. House (19) and Gustavo Molina (seven) in 2007
Fernando Lunar (nine) and Willie Morales (three) in 2000
Mike Figga (41) and Tommy Davis (five) in 1999
Charlie Greene (five) and Mel Rosario (four) in 1997
Gregg Zaun (40) and César Devarez (six) in 1995
John Stefero (nine) and Dave Huppert (two) in 1983
Dave Skaggs (80) and Dave Criscione (seven) in 1977
Johnny Oates (85) and Sergio Robles (two) in 1972
Andy Etchebarren (121) and Larry Haney (20) in 1966
Nate Smith (five) and Andy Etchebarren (two) in 1962
Frank Zupo (10) and Tom Patton (one) in 1957
Hal Smith (135) and Tom Gastall (20) in 1955

Pedro Severino is eligible for arbitration again after making $1.825 million this summer. That's an expensive backup. It's a pricy starter in a rebuild, especially given the return.

Here's the list of catchers eligible or potentially eligible for free agency this winter, according to MLBTradeRumors.com:

Alex Avila (35)
Tucker Barnhart (31) - $7.5 million club option
Welington Castillo (35)
Robinson Chirinos (37)
Travis d'Arnaud (33)
Yan Gomes (34)
Sandy Leon (33)
Martin Maldonado (35)
Jeff Mathis (39)
Yadier Molina (39)
Roberto Pérez (33) - $7 million club option
Manny Piña (34)
Buster Posey (35) - $22 million club option
Wilson Ramos (34)
Austin Romine (33)
Kurt Suzuki (38)
Christian Vázquez (31) - $7 million club option
Mike Zunino (31) - $4 million club option

Castillo has announced his retirement.

The Orioles are bound to sign at least one minor league free agent.