Dodgers Prospect Watch: Top Prospect Dalton Rushing Focused on Versatility, Eyes 2025 MLB Impact

Dodgers top prospect Dalton Rushing may be nearing his MLB debut, but it may require a position change in Los Angeles. 

For Dalton Rushing, the journey to the big leagues isn’t just about getting there—it’s about being ready when his number is called. And if his performance in Triple-A is any indication, that call could come sooner than later.

Rushing, the Dodgers’ top catching prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 30 overall, has always been known for his bat. In his first full season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 24-year-old is showing exactly why. With a .906 OPS and 10 home runs in just 40 games, Rushing’s offensive talent is undeniable.

A Bat That’s Big-League Ready

But even with numbers like that, breaking into a Dodgers roster stacked with stars isn’t easy.

“I know that I’ll get to play with these guys at some point throughout this year,” Rushing said. “My only goal is … [to] win the last game. It’s an easy goal to go by in this clubhouse. That’s the standard year in, year out.”

It’s not a question of if he’ll debut in 2025—it’s when and where.

Finding His Place: Behind the Plate or Beyond?

Blocked at catcher by All-Star Will Smith, Rushing has taken a different path. Last season, he began taking reps in left field, learning a new position with the same focus and determination he brings to the plate.

“The move has been really good,” Rushing said. “They told me that the move to the outfield would not only better myself, but also the teams I will play for in the future.”

Dalton Rushing had 4 hits on the night, and was just a triple shy of the cycle. The air is thin in Salt Lake, but save those types of comments, because the balls he hit tonight, save the sawdust maker, stayed hit.

In fact, they’re still hit!

Rushing is hitting .311, OPS .913!… pic.twitter.com/Dnyu43b35p

— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) April 25, 2025

Rushing has already shown growth at the plate, hitting .271 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in Double-A Tulsa before moving up to OKC. Now, the focus is on defense—on becoming more than just a catcher, more than just a hitter.

“He’s really pouring himself into the defensive side,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “The offense is in a really good place. … It’s very much his receiving, his game calling. He’s working really hard, and he’s moving the ball really well right now.”

Patience, Versatility, and Readiness

At Oklahoma City, Rushing finds himself in familiar territory—waiting, learning, preparing. It’s a role he’s embraced before. At Louisville, he sat behind Henry Davis, the top pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. Now, in OKC, he’s sharing time again but using every opportunity to grow.

“It is kind of similar to right now,” Rushing said. “Some of the best catchers in baseball are arguably here. So, it is an adjustment, but at the end of the day, it is good for my career and good for the people around me. I am embracing that as much as I can.”

“Dalton Rushing with a crushing, up over everything and onto the sidewalk!”

412 ft for the @Dodgers‘ top-ranked position player prospect, who goes deep for the second time this week for the Triple-A @OKC_comets. pic.twitter.com/hr2fx3pkUl

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 25, 2025

And when he steps into the batter’s box, there’s no doubt about his potential. In his Triple-A debut, he notched a base hit in his first at-bat—a sign of things to come.

A Future in Focus

“We’re trying to make him more versatile,” OKC manager Travis Barbary said. “That way when he does go to the big leagues, whenever that may be, it gives him and the manager more options.”

For Rushing, it’s simple.

“I have one goal,” he said. “I want to help the big team win as many games as they possibly can. I am here to learn, get as much practice in left field as I can and do whatever they ask me to do.”

The Dodgers know he’s coming. So does Rushing. And when the moment arrives, he’ll be ready—not just to the roster, but to make a difference.