Although Dalton Rushing has only appeared in three games this season, he’s already produced more value for the Los Angeles Dodgers than he did in 53 games last year.
Rushing has accumulated 0.6 WAR as the Dodgers’ backup catcher so far in 2026, a significant jump over his -0.1 in 2025. That is also more than every qualified catcher in baseball aside from Drake Baldwin (0.8), and Rushing is tied with Francisco Alvarez and Dillon Dingler.
The backstop has done that by finding success at the plate in the early parts of the year, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes it’s a sign of the progress Rushing has made adjusting to his role as the backup to Will Smith.
“I would say he didn’t get used to it last year. He’s getting used to it now,” Roberts said. “I think there’s a little bit of trying to mentally adjust to playing two times a week. There’s a physical, mechanical part with your swing to kind of make it more simple.
“Maybe even a little bit of expectation, to lower your expectations. The player never wants to, which I respect, but it’s hard to play twice a week to get in any type of real rhythm, and that’s the role of a backup catcher. But I think that he’s kind of in a better spot mentally.
“Actually, I know he’s in a better spot mentally to kind of handle this role, and it was good to see him have a huge night.”
Rushing has done that by producing an eye-popping 542 wRC+ while hitting .667/.700/1.667 with a 2.367 on-base plus slugging, as he’s tallied three home runs, four RBI and four runs scored.
Last season, the left-handed hitter struggled at the plate, producing a .204/.258/.324 line with four home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and a 62 wRC+.
Rushing was open about the challenges of being a backup catcher while only getting a few at-bats per week, which is something he hadn’t needed to adjust to in his career up until his MLB debut.
The Dodgers also wanted Rushing to focus on handling the pitching staff and learning as much as he could, rather than worrying about his offense. Roberts also stressed the importance of Rushing learning to understand his role and how to handle it during Spring Training.
But Rushing now is putting it all together and showing why he was one of the top prospects in MLB. If Rushing continues to succeed, the Dodgers will have to find a way to get him more at-bats and take away some of that stress about only playing once or twice a week.
Will Smith worked with Dalton Rushing
Smith took on Rushing as his protégé entering year two by offering lessons on hitting and team culture. The veteran catcher shared the wisdom he has gained over seven years in the Majors and how the Dodgers helped him become the player he is today.
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