Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing Says He Wants to Help Will Smith Become Hall of Fame Catcher
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an organization unlike any other.
From the elite front office, the mega-stars on the roster, the coaches that guide them, and a rabidly passionate fanbase, the organization is spectacular in everything that they do.
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Another facet of this team that is overlooked is the bond between their players.
Despite so much talent assembled on one roster, like with most things in life, nothing is guaranteed. The intangibles of being a great teammate and person in the clubhouse, however, is something that the Dodgers continuously display as much as their prowess on the diamond.
A No. 1 prospect in the farm system looking to make his way up to the majors may have a lot of feelings toward the player, a two-time All-Star and in the midst of a lucrative 10-year extension, that is keeping him from taking the field.
Frustration, jealousy, and anger may come up for a 24-year-old with major-league aspirations, but Dalton Rushing appears to possess the opposite feelings when it comes to Dodgers catcher Will Smith.
Rushing, the aforementioned top prospect, also plays behind home plate. He has been tested around the outfield in an attempt to bring his offense up to MLB, but as his last name insinuates, the Dodgers aren’t rushing this young catcher.
The prospect recently spoke to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain about his role on the team and showed impressive maturity and patience.
“From a catching perspective,” said Rushing, “my job is to step in and make Will’s job easier. Give him a little bit of time. Let him be the player that he is and continue to make a name for himself and make a push for the Hall of Fame.”
So many men in Rushing’s position could choose a more negative approach, but his outlook on baseball, as well as his bat, are two things that should make him very successful in the majors.
Rushing ended the 2024 campaign with 26 home runs, 85 RBIs, and slashed .271/.385/.512 with an astounding OPS of .896.
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