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Dodgers Predicted to Flip Top 100 Prospect at 2025 Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joel Reuter | Last updated May 2, 2025 5:15 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most MLB-ready prospects in baseball waiting in the wings at Triple-A Oklahoma City in Dalton Rushing, but there is no clear path for him to break into the big leagues, given the current roster construction.

Originally drafted and developed as a catcher, Rushing added the outfield to his defensive repertoire last year to find a way to get his potent bat to the majors, but the emergence of Andy Pages and the offseason addition of Michael Conforto has also created a crowded situation in the grass.

Rushing, 24, had an .896 OPS with 21 doubles, 26 home runs, and 85 RBI in 115 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season, showcasing an advanced hit tool and above-average power that could make him a middle-of-the-order run producer at the next level.

It has been more of the same to open the 2025 campaign, with a .316/.419/.513 line that includes four doubles, three home runs, and 11 RBI in 22 games at the highest level of the minors, leaving him with little left to prove at the plate.

The Dodgers have generally clung tightly to their top-tier prospects over the years, and it paid off when guys like Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Julio Urías, Walker Buehler and others developed into impact contributors, but Rushing could prove to be the exception given his lack of an obvious short-term role with the team.

Outfielders Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope and left-hander Jackson Ferris are all more likely to be deemed untouchable in trade talks this summer, so don't be surprised if Rushing ends up being the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, similar to fellow catching prospect Keibert Ruiz a few years ago.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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