​ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan broke down several of the top trade possibilities ahead of this season’s deadline, and one polarizing Los Angeles Dodger has drawn interest from multiple suitors. Landing Dalton Rushing, the backup catcher who has stepped in as a starter due to Will Smith’s lingering injury, would represent a major win for the Texas Rangers, Passan noted.
In a piece from June 2, 2026, written from Phoenix, Arizona, Passan described Rushing as a backup catcher who has assumed a larger role because of Smith’s injury, and he suggested that a move could be in the works to address long-term needs behind the plate. The scene at Dodger Stadium earlier in the season showed Rushing catching against the Diamondbacks, with the moment captured to illustrate his growing involvement with the Dodgers. Passan highlighted that while the Dodgers aren’t actively shopping Rushing, they currently have Will Smith entrenched as the primary catcher and a designated hitter role that often features someone else, which could limit Rushing’s opportunities going forward.
As Passan hinted, Shohei Ohtani is currently serving as the starting designated hitter, and while Rushing has shown versatility by occasionally playing first base, Freddie Freeman’s presence at first base makes it unlikely that Rushing will carve out ongoing playing time there. With the Dodgers’ deep roster, there’s a realistic chance Rushing would need to seek a different organization to secure consistent at-bats for a catcher of his ability. Passan also floated the possibility that Rushing could end up with another major market team beyond Texas.
Passan suggested that the Rangers wouldn’t be the only club with interest in Rushing. He even posited that a move to the New York Yankees could be plausible, noting, “Were Rushing to move, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only ones interested. (Imagine that left-handed swing at Yankee Stadium.” While it’s uncertain how solid the foundation from that speculation is, there’s little doubt that a number of teams would be eager to add the promising young catcher to their rosters.
Beyond the on-field considerations, Passan emphasized Rushing’s personality as a fit for Texas. He noted that Texas president of baseball operations Chris Young values fiery players, suggesting that the clubhouse dynamic could play to Rushing’s strengths. For a young Dodger who has built a reputation for getting into on-field altercations with opponents and demonstrating visible passion in the heat of competition, an environment in Texas might be especially conducive to his competitive growth and development.
Rushing’s ability to deliver clutch moments also adds to his value. The potential for walk-off hits in critical moments underscores the impact a player like him can have in tight games, making him a compelling asset for any contending team looking for a spark, depth, and a potential long-term solution behind the plate.
With trade chatter intensifying as the deadline approaches, the Dodgers face questions about how to balance their current needs with the upside Rushing represents. Should the Dodgers consider moving on from Dalton Rushing? If so, which destination would offer him the best path to regular playing time and the chance to maximize his development at the catcher position? For fans and analysts alike, the unfolding discussions will continue to shape the Dodgers’ strategy and the landscape of potential deals across the league.