(LOS ANGELES) — A sudden organizational decision involving two key Dodgers catchers has detonated inside the clubhouse, creating an eruption of tension, uncertainty, and internal chaos that has stunned players and coaches alike.
The move, which caught nearly everyone off guard, involves a mandate from the front office regarding star catcher Will Smith and top prospect Dalton Rushing. Insiders say nobody saw this coming, and it has left the team divided as the front office faces growing backlash for prioritizing prospect development over veteran comfort.
The Organizational Decision: Rushing’s Role
The chaos stems from the front office’s decision to publicly commit to a significant, everyday role for Dalton Rushing in 2026, forcing a major positional shift that impacts the team’s most valuable veteran.
- The Ultimatum: General Manager Brandon Gomes has reportedly made it clear that Rushing—who had a limited role in 2025 as the backup catcher—will be given the necessary playing time to develop his bat. This includes playing him regularly at designated hitter (DH) and potentially some time at left field to offset the workload of the other veterans.
- The Conflict: This directly impacts the playing time and comfort of star catcher Will Smith, who played a career-high number of games in 2025, and creates congestion with other veteran bats. The implication is that Smith will be asked to significantly reduce his time behind the plate to allow Rushing to gain experience and keep both players in the lineup.
The Eruption and Division
The suddenness of the announcement—without clear consultation—has created fissures within the clubhouse:
- Veteran Discontent: Sources indicate several established veterans are unhappy that the organization is publicly prioritizing the development of a young player over optimizing the roster around Smith, a homegrown star and team leader. “It sends a message that the front office isn’t focused on a three-peat, but on the future,” one veteran reportedly stated.
- Smith’s Stunned Silence: While Will Smith himself has not publicly commented, insiders describe him as “stunned” by the mandate. Smith is widely viewed as one of the best pitch-framers and defensive catchers in the game, and having his time behind the plate cut to force Rushing into the lineup is a major point of tension.
For a team coming off a World Series win, this internal chaos—driven by a perceived lack of respect for the established veteran core—is a crisis that manager Dave Roberts must quickly contain before it derails the start of the 2026 campaign.
