Dalton Rushing is not only the top ranked Los Angeles Dodgers prospect heading into the 2025 season, but arguably their most intriguing as well.
Rushing had another successful year in the Minor Leagues in 2024 and appears primed to make his MLB debut at some point next season. In 114 games with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, Rushing hit a combined .271/.384/.512 with 21 doubles and 26 home runs.
The problem is that Rushing plays the same position as Will Smith, who the Dodgers signed to a 10-year, $140 million contract extension. In an effort to create more opportunities for Rushing in the Majors, the Dodgers tried him out in left field for a majority of his time with OKC.
During an appearance on “The Dodgers Debate” podcast, Jack Harris of the L.A. Times relayed that general manager Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers still view Rushing as a catcher long-term:
“The bat plays. Everybody you talk to with the Dodgers or around the sport, they think this is going to be an impact hitter in the big leagues. The question is, he’s primarily a catcher and still has some development to do there.
“It’s a position that’s blocked with Will Smith, at least for now. They tried to play him in the outfield, and you get kind of varying evaluations about how well that went. Brandon Gomes said, ‘We want to try him again back behind the plate.’
“That’s going to be his meat and potatoes position, was I think the phrase he used.”
Gomes’ sentiment still doesn’t completely rule out Rushing playing left field next season if he is able to earn a spot on the Major League roster. Depending on how negotiations pan out with Teoscar Hernández, or however they plan to address the outfield in free agency, Rushing could benefit from a significant role being up for grabs.
After receiving a non-roster invite to 2024 Spring Training, Rushing will have an opportunity to earn a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster in 2025. If not, he is a likely candidate for a call-up some time during the season
Dalton Rushing’s perspective on learning new position
Rushing explained why he was receptive to learning how to play in the outfield during his time in Triple-A.
Noting that when playing for an organization as talent-laden as the Dodgers, being more versatile in the field gives him a better chance to break through to the Majors.
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