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NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What to Expect from Dodgers Catcher Dalton Rushing

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated May 14, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The Dodgers selected Dalton Rushing’s contract on May 14, officially moving him to the 26-man roster after a good start in Triple-A. Rushing, a catcher by trade, will get his first crack at MLB pitching after a strong Minor League career, one that saw him work counts regularly and hit for power.

A Look at Rushing

Nine years ago, the Dodgers selected Will Smith out of Louisville in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft. History repeated itself in 2022 when the Dodgers picked Dalton Rushing with the 40th overall pick.

Rushing took over as Louisville’s starting catcher after Henry Davis was selected first overall in 2021. He had a big year in 2022, as Rushing blasted 23 home runs with the Cardinals in 64 games, along with 50 walks.

He quickly tore up the California League weeks after his selection, as he slashed .424/.539/.778 (1.317 OPS) in 2022 with eight home runs and 19 extra-base hits over 28 games with Rancho Cucamonga (A).

Rushing dealt with an injury-shortened campaign in 2023 but had himself another big season in 2024. He hit 26 home runs between Tulsa (AA) and Oklahoma City (AAA) and posted a .938 OPS with the Comets this season before his promotion to LA.

The 24-year-old fits what the Dodgers have tried to build over the years: a deep lineup that includes power bats and players who can work counts. Rushing proved to be quite patient in A-ball against lower-level pitching. And despite seeing fewer pitches per PA in 2024-25, Rushing still took his walks.

He walked 12.7% of the time in 2024 and 15.9% with Oklahoma City in 2025. Rushing will spit on breaking balls out of the zone; he only swung at 10 of 72 breaking balls out in 2025.

From an offensive standpoint, Rushing can punish pitches thanks to a fast bat and natural strength. The Dodgers catcher/outfielder got around high fastballs but also showed ability to keep the hands in and poke balls the other way if necessary.

He batted .286 off fastballs in Triple-A this past season.

Defensively, Rushing can gun out runners. The 24-year-old posted a 30% CS% last season between Double and Triple-A. And this season, he posted a slightly lower 21.8% CS%.

The problem, however, is where Rushing will play at the MLB level long-term. Los Angeles (NL) has Will Smith, who was signed to a 10-year deal that kicked in last year, locked up as the catcher of both the present and future. Thus, the Dodgers gave Rushing reps both at first base and left field over the years.

The New York Times first reported Dalton Rushing will be promted to the Dodgers.

Analysis

Los Angeles (NL) officially DFA’d Austin Barnes on May 14, meaning Rushing and Smith are the only two catchers on the Dodgers’ roster. Rushing can handle himself behind the plate and realistically, should be an offensive improvement from Barnes, who was a valuable veteran but slashed .214/.233/.286 (.518 OPS) this season.

However, what will need to be determined is how the Dodgers plan to work Rushing in on days he doesn’t catch.

He can play the outfield and there could be opportunity to do so at the MLB level this season, even with the likes of Hyeseong Kim, James Outman, and Chris Taylor to support the regulars.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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