Los Angeles Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing’s playing time this season could depend on Freddie Freeman’s willingness to sit out, per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
Rushing, formerly the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect, made his debut for L.A. in 2025, but spent nearly all of his time last season serving as All-Star Will Smith’s backup. Chen revealed the 24-year-old could feature at first in 2026, but that depends on if Freeman will take more days off.
“Rushing should see some time at first in addition to backing up Will Smith,” Chen wrote. “The question is how many days will Freeman actually take off, since he prefers to play as much as possible.”
Freeman has played 100 or more games in 14 of his 16 MLB seasons, with the exceptions being 2010 — when he didn’t exceed his rookie limits with the Atlanta Braves — and the shortened 2020 season. He has managed 147 games in each of the last two seasons and missed a total of seven games across the three seasons prior.
If Freeman takes off more time than usual in 2026, Rushing could get the regular reps he ached for in 2025.
How Did Dalton Rushing Perform in 2025?
Rushing came up to the big leagues May 14, making his debut the following day. He had a solid debut, going 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs to kick off his career.
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He continued to start here and there, however ended the season having played just 58 games. He had the opportunity to step into the starting role at the beginning of September after Smith landed on the injured list, but Rushing went down with injury shortly after.
The catcher batted .204 last season, hitting four home runs and tallying 24 RBIs. He had a .582 OPS in 142 at-bats.
His best stretch in 2025 came in the final month of the regular season, when he batted .286 and had a .774 OPS through 11 games.
Has Dalton Rushing Played First Base Before?
Rushing featured in eight games for the Dodgers at first base last season, starting just one of them. Through 28 innings at the position, he managed a perfect fielding percentage.
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He also had some experience with first in the minors, playing 305 innings in 38 appearances across several levels. He has a .977 fielding percentage through those appearances, with most of them coming with High-A Great Lakes in 2023.
Rushing’s performances in MLB so far haven’t knocked anyone’s socks off, but some more opportunity could very well turn things around for the young catcher. Is he up to the challenge?
