As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Dodgers once again find themselves walking a delicate line—aggressively exploring ways to improve their roster while guarding their most valued young assets. One of those assets, rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, has emerged in recent trade speculation, most notably in connection to a potential blockbuster involving Cleveland Guardians All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan.
Dodgers Trade Rumors: Rushing’s Name Floated in Kwan Talks
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According to multiple reports, the Dodgers are among several teams engaged in conversations about Kwan, whose elite contact skills, Gold Glove defense, and team-friendly contract make him one of the most coveted players on the market. With Cleveland reportedly open to listening—especially if the deal also includes reliever Emmanuel Clase—Los Angeles has been floated as a natural trade partner.
The sticking point? The Guardians want Dalton Rushing in the deal.
Jon Heyman took to social media to report that the Los Angeles Dodgers are “one of many teams” showing interest in Kwan, and noted that any potential trade package from L.A. would likely be headlined by elite catching prospect
“Dodgers are one of many teams in on Guardians All-Star LF Steven Kwan,” Heyman wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Dodgers could form a nice package starting with top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, who is blocked for years by MVP candidate Will Smith.”
Per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, LA has shown reluctance to include Rushing in any negotiations. But his name has surfaced nonetheless, with rival teams—particularly Cleveland and Boston—believing he could be a headliner in a multi-player return.
Dodgers Manager Offers Rare Clarity
Manager Dave Roberts offered a surprisingly candid response when asked about Rushing’s availability.
“I just don’t see a world in which he’s moved anyway, and I think he’s smart enough to realize that,” Roberts told reporters Monday, addressing the rumors directly.
That statement stands as the clearest public signal yet from within the organization that Rushing is not on the table—at least not easily.
Why Dalton Rushing Is So Highly Regarded
Rushing entered the 2025 season as Baseball America’s No. 1-ranked Dodgers prospect and a consensus top-20 overall player. While his early returns at the big-league level have been underwhelming (.200/.270/.275 with 36 strikeouts in 89 plate appearances), LA remains bullish on his long-term upside. In 301 plate appearances at Triple-A this year, he slashed an impressive .289/.409/.512, showing power, patience, and defensive promise behind the plate.
With Will Smith under contract through 2027, Rushing’s immediate path to everyday playing time remains blocked—but L.A. has resisted experimenting with him at other positions. That patience indicates a belief that his time will come, even if it’s not this season.
Why the Guardians Want Rushing
For Cleveland, Rushing represents exactly the type of return they’d seek if they part with Kwan—a young, controllable, MLB-ready player at a premium position. With their own catching situation in flux and their offense in need of more thump, a player like Rushing would headline any offer strong enough to pry Kwan away.
But as ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel have noted, the chances of Kwan actually being moved remain below 20%. Still, sources confirm that if a deal happens, Rushing would almost certainly have to be part of it.
Bottom Line: Unlikely, But Not Impossible
The Dodgers will likely continue talks with Cleveland up to the deadline. Kwan fits their needs perfectly: a high-OBP leadoff man and defensive standout in left field. But unless Cleveland lowers its asking price—or the Dodgers soften their stance on Rushing—a deal might not materialize.
“I haven’t talked to Dalton about the trade speculation,” Roberts added, “but I think he’s smart enough to realize that.”
That may be all the clarity we get. With just days remaining before Thursday’s deadline, the Dodgers are in familiar territory: balancing win-now urgency with future vision. So far, they’re not willing to tip the scales at Rushing’s expense.