True to form under president of baseball operations, the Los Angeles Dodgers again are exploring a multitude of possibilities leading into the MLB trade deadline.
There are the more likely scenarios of the Dodgers figuring to address their bullpen and also potentially acquire an outfielder. However, there also is a mild surprise amid continued reports that Dustin May is available. Taking matters a step further, Dalton Rushing has been mentioned in Dodgers trade rumors as well.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, manager Dave Roberts effectively ruled out the possibility of the Dodgers trading Rushing before the 3 p.m. PT deadline on Thursday:
“I just don’t see a world in which he’s moved anyway and I think he’s smart enough to realize that.”
In a difference from reports indicating the Dodgers view May as a trade chip to acquire an outfielder, speculation involving Rushing has come from outside the organization.
The Boston Red Sox are thought to have interest in the 24-year-old. That report was only accompanied by an indication that the Dodgers were scouting Red Sox prospects. It wasn’t clear if that was related to a possible trade involving Rushing or another deal.
Roberts’ comments are the first from a Dodgers official going on the record about Rushing since trade speculation began to surface. But well before that were reports that Rushing and Dodgers prospect Alex Freeland were all but guaranteed to remain with the organization.
Should the Dodgers trade Dalton Rushing?
Rushing in his first stretch at the Major League level since joining the roster in the middle of May to take over the backup catcher role when Austin Barnes was designated for assignment.
Rushing’s pedigree as a former top Dodgers prospect indicates he warrants a larger role, but there’s not a clear path to that under the current roster construction. The Dodgers abandoned last year’s experiment of having Rushing play left field, and while he has experience at first base, Freddie Freeman is signed through the 2027 season.
Thus, the situation is shaping up to be similar to what unfolded with Michael Busch. He ultimately was traded along with Yency Almonte to the Chicago Cubs for prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris.
However, trading Rushing at this point could be premature given his potential and age.
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