Comparing Kyle Schwarber in 2021 to a modern-day Adley Rutschman is nothing new. But that doesn't mean it's not a worthwhile conversation.
The obvious link is how each player was acquired heading into the trade deadline. Schwarber didn't play for nearly three weeks due to a hamstring injury, leaving that Red Sox team having to wait patiently through a 4-10 stretch until their new first baseman's debut. But when Schwarber did emerge, the difference was palpable.
Over his next 32 games, Schwarber managed a .971 OPS, helping the Red Sox stay in the postseason conversation thanks to 19 wins over that span. It's safe to say that if not for the jumper cables supplied by the lefty slugger, there would be no October memories at Fenway Park in 2021.
Now it's Rutschman's turn.
When the catcher was acquired, some might have viewed it as a luxury item for a team that, up until losing two straight to the A's over the weekend, had gone an unbelievable 27-3 over the last 30 games. The perception was the Red Sox had already defined themselves as a postseason team thanks to the historic hot streak, and the additions of Rutschman, Curtis Mead, Eli White, Jake Rogers and Erik Miller just cemented the club's status among the American League elite.
But, as was the case with Schwarber, the presence of Rutschman is probably more of a necessity than most initially believed. That reminder was delivered with the Red Sox's first series loss since July 1. It's why the timing of his debut this week in Toronto couldn't be better.
The Red Sox's fortunes are still clearly tied to their pitching. This has been, and will continue to be, their postseason meal ticket. But in order to make that part the equation work, there can't be a downturn in terms of putting offensive pressure on their opponents.
There have already been hints that additions are a good thing. Rogers is 3-for-6 with four runs. White subbed in for Masa Yoshida Sunday and came away with three hits. Now it's Rutschman's turn.
Since the beginning of the month, Connor Wong is just 2-for-17, while Willson Contreras has cooled off significantly during that stretch (4-for-17 with 7 strikeouts). Both can turn on a dime, with each example perhaps not all that important in the long term. But even with the team's current standing as the second wild card team, there has to be some protection against a downturn.
The Red Sox aren't going to maintain a clip as they have since Aug. 1, during which they have hit a gaudy .356 with runners in scoring position. And just because they will be playing the Blue Jays, Pirates, Giants and Marlins before taking on the Yankees at the end of the month doesn't mean anything will come easy. (The A's offered that reminder.)
An unforgettable chapter has been written for the 2026 season. But the true title of this book has yet to be determined. Rutschman will undoubtedly have some say in how that cover looks.
