As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in familiar territory—fielding calls, weighing options, and protecting prized assets. Among the more intriguing names mentioned in recent speculation is rookie catcher Dalton Rushing, the organization’s former top prospect and a player multiple teams, including the Boston Red Sox, have reportedly inquired about.
But according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, that scenario doesn’t appear close to reality.
“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, firmly rebuffing the idea of dealing Rushing.
That marks the most definitive public stance yet from a Dodgers official amid a swirl of trade chatter. Though rumors have pointed to both Dustin May and Rushing as potential pieces in a deadline deal, Roberts’ comments—and the reporting around them—suggest Rushing is staying put, at least for now.
Why Rushing’s Name Came Up
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While many of the Dodgers’ deadline moves are expected to focus on bullpen help or an additional outfielder, the emergence of Rushing’s name has raised eyebrows. MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported that Boston had shown interest in the 24-year-old catcher, and speculation grew when Dodgers scouts were spotted evaluating Red Sox prospects.
But league insiders have emphasized that the idea of trading Rushing appears to be more external speculation than internal momentum. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic noted last week that the Dodgers were not inclined to move either Rushing or infield prospect Alex Freeland. The two have long been considered part of the organization’s future core, and Freeland is expected to make his MLB debut imminently.
What the Dodgers Have in Dalton Rushing
Rushing entered the 2025 season as Baseball America’s No. 1-ranked Dodgers prospect and a top-20 overall player in the minors. Despite a slow start at the MLB level—batting just .200/.270/.275 with 36 strikeouts in 89 plate appearances—his minor league résumé remains strong. In 301 Triple-A plate appearances, Rushing posted a .289/.409/.512 line, with a blend of power, patience, and polish behind the plate that scouts continue to covet.
His slow transition in the majors hasn’t discouraged the Dodgers.
They’ve also resisted the urge to test him at other positions—left field and first base experiments were shelved—and with Will Smith locked in as the team’s catcher through 2027, Rushing’s role in L.A. remains murky. Still, the Dodgers are clearly willing to be patient.
A Michael Busch Redux?
There’s a temptation to draw comparisons to the Michael Busch situation from last winter. Another talented, bat-first prospect blocked by veterans, Busch was ultimately traded to the Cubs in a deal that brought back prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris. Might Rushing be on a similar track?
The difference here is leverage and timing. Rushing still has minor league options, which gives the Dodgers flexibility. And despite a congested depth chart, there’s little appetite to sell low on a player so highly regarded internally.
Boston’s Interest: Fit and Trade Value
Boston’s reported interest is real, but complicated.
With Connor Wong and Carlos Narváez sharing catching duties, the Red Sox lack a clear long-term answer behind the plate. Rushing could solve that—at least on paper—but acquiring him would require significant capital.
The Red Sox are not flush with high-end bullpen arms (LA’s No. 1 need), but they do have intriguing outfielders. Could Masataka Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu, or Jarren Duran headline a deal? Possibly, but it would likely require additional pieces from Boston.
Would they pay that price for a player who still has much to prove at the MLB level?
What Happens Next
Unless a team blows the Dodgers away with an offer—unlikely, given Rushing’s current offensive numbers—he’ll remain in Blue.
In the long term, the organization will need to clarify his role. Will Smith isn’t going anywhere, and Rushing won’t develop without reps. For now, though, LA is showing patience.
“I haven’t talked to Dalton about the trade speculation,” Roberts added. “But I think he’s smart enough to realize that.”
With that, Roberts effectively closed the book on the idea—at least until another team tries to pry it open again.
Up Next: What Will the Dodgers Do Before the MLB Trade Deadline?
While the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be active before Thursday’s 3 p.m. PT deadline, don’t expect Dalton Rushing to be part of any blockbuster. He remains a long-term bet for a franchise that, despite its championship urgency, knows when to play the long game.