With Los Angeles trying to fill some needs ahead of next season, Rushing might find himself with another team.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers' front office getting ready to board a plane for the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., the organization will look to boost its roster in some way.
But the Dodgers will not be foolish in their efforts.
Sure, Los Angeles wants to win a third straight World Series championship next season and eyes making any move that can help achieve that goal.
Who, though, might Los Angeles consider putting into a trade deal? One name getting some attention is catcher Dalton Rushing. MLB.com reporter Sonja Chen, who covers the Dodgers, offered up some thoughts on Rushing's part in a potential trade.
"Catcher Dalton Rushing struggled to establish consistency in a backup role during his rookie year, but he could be an interesting trade chip," Chen wrote.
"The Dodgers have believed in Rushing's ability to hit at every level, but he batted just .204 with a .582 OPS in the Majors in 2025," according to the article. "He's blocked by Will Smith for the long term, but he's also the only other catcher on the 40-man roster at present.
"If L.A. can't figure out a path to more playing time for Rushing, then perhaps it would make sense to use him as the means to make a big deal happen," Chen wrote.
What about potentially putting some pitchers that the ballclub has right now in a deal? Chen addresses that possibility, too.
"The Dodgers also have a surplus of pitchers on the 40-man roster, and with nearly all of them expected to be healthy for the beginning of Spring Training, some could be trade chips," according to the article. "Then again, L.A. needed every bit of its pitching depth to win the past two World Series, so the organization could prefer to hold onto its arms for as long as possible."
When it comes to the bullpen, don't look for the Dodgers to sign free-agent fireballer Edwin Diaz. His asking price might be too steep for the ballclub at this time.
If Rushing is going to get traded, then Los Angeles will be giving up a young, up-and-coming player for one who's more established. It's hard to see Rushing in a deal, though. Los Angeles saw what he could do in his rookie season. He's got a chance to improve on his rookie numbers.
So, what will Los Angeles do? Dodgers fans and observers will have to wait and see.
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