As the Dodgers reshape their depth chart for the future, Dalton Rushing has surprisingly entered the conversation as a possible trade piece.NL
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not looking to stand pat this offseason. Fresh off securing a second straight World Series title in early November, they will field the best roster possible in order to defend their crown. That means improving the roster by any means necessary.
The Dodgers have long been aggressive on the trade market, frequently dealing top prospects and young talent for proven stars. This approach has led to speculation about the future of recently debuted catcher Dalton Rushing.
Although Rushing has shown a willingness to learn multiple positions and is still projected to develop into an impactful player in MLB, the Dodgers’ championship window is wide open right now and they already have an established All-Star catcher in Will Smith.
Rushing’s first season in Los Angeles was underwhelming, adding to the uncertainty. The 24-year-old rookie posted a .204 batting average, .258 on-base percentage, .582 OPS and four home runs across 53 games.
In a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Rushing was named Los Angeles’s top candidate to be moved this offseason. The Dodgers have multiple areas of need to address, and Rushing remains an ideal trade chip for numerous teams.
Feinsand wrote, “Rushing was the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2024, and while he underwhelmed at the plate in a backup role in 2025, he remains one of the top catching prospects in the game. With Will Smith locked up through 2033, Rushing’s long-term fit on the roster remains unknown. The Dodgers don’t have another catcher on their 40-man roster, so while they’re not itching to move Rushing, using him as the centerpiece for a big trade wouldn’t be a shock.”
Rushing’s background also makes his situation more intriguing. He was selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft and quickly rose through the system, dominating at every level in the minors. His bat consistently stood out against advanced pitching, and scouts praised his ability to adjust at the plate. While his rookie season numbers in the majors were underwhelming, there is still time for him to translate that minor league success into production at the big league level.
Beyond his offense, Rushing’s defense remains a strong asset. He has shown solid receiving skills, a reliable arm and the versatility to handle multiple positions. Those traits ensure he retains value, whether the Dodgers keep him as part of their future or leverage him in a trade.
