Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers is gaining attention for his impressive performance early in the season, despite being a backup catcher. His trade valuation is reportedly 'huge' as he continues to excel in limited playing time.
Key points
Dalton Rushing is a young star for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He is currently a backup catcher and plays limited minutes.
Rushing's trade valuation is considered 'huge' this season.
Will Smith is the starting catcher for the Dodgers.
Los Angeles DodgersDalton RushingWill Smith
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) runs home after a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) runs home after a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Rushing, the former Dodgers top prospect, is only playing back-up catcher minutes and making spot first base starts, along with designated hitter appearances when needed.
The lack of playing time leaves Rushing in limbo, but the Dodgers are finding plate appearances whenever possible, and he is delivering more than most everyday catchers at the plate.
Q&A
What is Dalton Rushing's current trade valuation?
Dalton Rushing's trade valuation is considered 'huge' as he impresses with his performance this season.
Why is Dalton Rushing not starting for the Dodgers?
Dalton Rushing is not starting because Will Smith is the Dodgers' franchise catcher and has the position secured.
How is Dalton Rushing performing this season?
Dalton Rushing is performing exceptionally well, making significant contributions despite limited playing time.
What positions is Dalton Rushing playing for the Dodgers?
Dalton Rushing is primarily playing as a backup catcher, with occasional appearances at first base and designated hitter.
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Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) runs home after a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) runs home after a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Rushing is hitting .444/.464/1.296 with seven home runs and a 1.760. He has an out-of-this-world 380 wRC+ and 1.0 fWAR.
He does not have enough at-bats to qualify in the hitting rankings, but Rushing is at the top in his small sample size of 28 plate appearances.
After a poor rookie year, Rushing is having himself a moment and becoming quite undeniable, forcing Will Smith to rest more often.
But without a clear avenue for playing time, there are questions about how viable he is to remain with the Dodgers as an underutilized piece.
Dalton Rushingâs trade value
According to Kevin Rosenthal of The Athletic, Rushing is viewed by the Dodgers as an extremely valuable piece, especially given the potential for injuries and his status as an emerging young catcher.
â[Dalton Rushing] is in a position like a lot of young Dodgers players have been in the last few years, where heâd be better off elsewhere,â Rosenthal said.
âDoesnât mean the Dodgers feel heâd be better off elsewhere, and when I say better off, heâd get more playing time elsewhere.
âThe Dodgers, I am sure, see this as well. Weâre one Will Smith injury away from really needing Dalton Rushing, and why would we trade him when weâre in that position and when we have Rushing contributing as he is in a part-time role?
âSo whatâs best for Dalton Rushing in terms of his career might not be best for the Dodgers, and I guess at the deadline, sure, anything is possible.
âI canât see the Dodgers entertaining this unless it was a major deal unless they were getting something huge in return and Iâm not sure what that would be at this point. Catching is extremely valuable.â
Rushing, only a handful of months prior, was seen as a diminished asset after struggling at the plate during his rookie year, but now, the tables have turned, and he is playing at a position where there are few true difference makers.
Luckily for the Dodgers, they do not have a true need at the position and can afford to patiently hold on to Rushing as a building block or wait to include him in the right deal.
