"Once viewed as the crown jewel within the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, Rushing made his MLB debut in 2025 - ultimately usurping the backup catcher role from veteran Austin Barnes. While there were glimpses of a highly productive player, Rushing's year ended up being a rough one. He hit .204 in 142 regular season at-bats. Even more challenging for the 24-year-old, he lost the backup catcher spot to Ben Rortvedt during the postseason."
"With Michael Conforto now a free agent, one of the corner outfield spots appears to be open at this given time. "I think this is a sign from this Dodgers organization that they realize that you have to be able to give him everyday at-bats. Or at least more consistent at-bats if you're going to expect him to do anything at the plate," McKain said."
"In an earlier interview McKain had with Rushing, while the catcher admitted that he was doing everything he could to be game-ready with the help of various machines, there's really nothing truly available to fully simulate live-action pitching. There's been no real indication that the Dodgers will trade Rushing. Given the desire to keep Will Smith fresh, coupled with the ages of Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez, there's a world where Rushing could get regular at-bat opportunities in some capacity."
Dalton Rushing's 2025 MLB debut earned him the backup catcher role but produced a .204 average in 142 at-bats and a postseason demotion. The Dodgers are considering using Rushing in left field to provide more consistent, everyday plate appearances. Michael Conforto's free agency creates a potential corner outfield opening. Rushing is training with machines but lacks true live-pitch simulation to replicate game conditions. The organization appears unlikely to trade him and could deploy him to keep Will Smith fresh while Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernández age. Consistent at-bats are presented as the main path to rebuild confidence and consistency.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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