Dodgers could solve Dalton Rushing dilemma by following Yankees' budding star's path

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a Dalton Rushing dilemma. The former top prospect still has all the potential in the world, even if his .582 OPS in 2025 was a massive letdown. The plan with the 24-year-old backstop, at this point in the offseason, at least, is still very unclear.

Rushing was left off the NLCS roster in favor of a healed Will Smith and journeyman backup Ben Rortvedt. That seemed to signal a loss of faith in the talented youngster, but the club's surprising decision to cut Rortvedt loose after ending October with champagne was seen as an about-face.

The problem, though, is that the backup catcher role wouldn't just be a temporary landing spot on Rushing's journey to stardom, as Will Smith's massive extension blocks him behind the plate through 2033. Keeping Rushing limited to part-time duty could truly stunt his development, leading some to believe that trading him away is the most likely outcome. That might bring back value, but after a rough year, it will be less than it would have been if Los Angeles had dealt him a year ago.

Instead, the Dodgers could follow in the New York Yankees' footsteps and give Rushing a supercharged version of the Ben Rice treatment.

Up-and-coming Yankees' star could be the blueprint for the Dodgers' path forward with Dalton Rushing

Rice didn't come up with the same prospect pedigree as Rushing, but the two have a few things in common based on their minor league performance.

For one, both youngsters hit the snot out of the baseball throughout their minor league careers, with Rice owning a .935 minor league OPS and Rushing right on his heels with a .933 mark.

Secondly, while both spent time behind the plate, they also got work at other positions. Rice primarily at first base, while the more athletic Rushing got reps in left field in addition to first base.

Rice's first taste of big league action didn't go as planned either. Coming up in 2024, he got sporadic playing time, appearing in 50 games and logging 178 plate appearances with a .613 OPS. Rushing's .582 mark came in 53 games and 155 plate appearances.

And like it appears for Rushing now, Rice entered 2025 with an undefined role; however, almost by accident, the Yankees found a way to cycle him through first base, catcher, and DH, allowing him to appear in 138 games and record 530 plate appearances.

The regular playing time was a huge boost for Rice, who slashed .255/.337/.499 with 26 homers, earning an AL Silver Slugger nomination in the utility player category for his efforts.

The Dodgers should follow the same plan with Rushing in 2026. Los Angeles has an opening in left field, and last season went out and signed the disaster known as Michael Conforto in hopes of getting an impact lefty bat in there.

Putting Rushing out there three or four times a week, primarily against right-handed pitching, would begin to open up his playing time, while he could still catch once or twice a week to spell Smith. Sprinkle in a couple of appearances at first base to give Freddie Freeman a breather, and a game here and there at DH, and suddenly you can see 500+ plate appearances in his future.

If the Dodgers follow that roadmap, they'll answer the question as to whether or not consistent at-bats were what held Rushing back this year. If the answer is yes, congratulations, they've just built a versatile chess piece and rehabilitated some trade value. If the answer is no, then they can address left field at the trade deadline knowing full well they put Rushing in the best possible position to succeed, given their roster constraints.

For now, that seems like the best way forward as the Dodgers gear up for the three-peat in 2026.