Los Angeles Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing confirmed he would feature at catcher and first base in the 2026 season.
Rushing struggled for playing time in 2025, spending most of his time behind All-Star catcher Will Smith.
“I’ve really planned to play any position they ask,” Rushing said at DodgerFest on Saturday. “Whether I’ve played it before or I haven’t, just — like I said — take advantage of every opportunity. I know catching, first base are going to be the main two.”
The catcher came up to the majors in May 2025 and remained with the team throughout the rest of the season, but appeared in just 53 games. He batted .204 with a .582 OPS to go with four home runs and 24 RBIs.
Rushing had the opportunity to take over as the Dodgers’ starting catcher in September when Smith had to sit out with a bone bruise in his hand, but also went down injured after a foul ball struck him in the knee just a couple of days after.
Sep 27, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) runs the bases after hitting a 2-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesHas Dalton Rushing Ever Played First Base?
Rushing has split time between first base and catcher throughout his professional career, but he plays far more behind the plate.
He played 28 innings at first for the Dodgers in 2025, and had a perfect fielding percentage. During his time in the minors, Rushing played first base at every level from Single-A to Triple-A, with most of his innings coming in High-A.
He played a total of 305 innings at first in the minors, and had a .977 fielding percentage during his time at the position. Rushing also spent 288.1 innings in left field during his minor league career, and could fill in there if needed as well.
Will The Dodgers Keep Rushing?
Rushing’s name has come up in trade talks throughout the offseason, and even as far back as the trade deadline, but the Dodgers don’t seem keen on trading their former No. 1 prospect.
Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers weren’t likely to move him in July 2025.
“I haven’t talked to Dalton,” Roberts said. “I just don’t see a world in which he’s moved anyway, and I think he’s smart enough to realize that. I don’t think it’s going to impact him. I really don’t.”
LA Baseball Report
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