Roberts Sees ‘Superstar’ Future for Dodgers Rookie, LA or Beyond

Roberts Sees 'Superstar' Future for Dodgers Rookie, LA or Beyond

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Dalton Rushing celebrates his run with Teoscar Hernandez and Dave Roberts from a Hyeseong Kim single, to take a 7-2 lead over the Athletics, during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on May 15, 2025.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently proclaimed that rookie catcher Dalton Rushing has the potential to be a “superstar” in Major League Baseball. A significant statement given the Dodgers’ current status as the best team in baseball this season.

With a roster overflowing with proven talent, Roberts’ endorsement puts a spotlight on Rushing’s potential and his place in the Dodgers’ plans.

Roberts emphasized the rookie’s “confidence” at the plate and his ability to “control the hitting zone,” lauding both his mental approach and physical tools. “He feels that he’s going to be a superstar,” Roberts said. “I love him in the box. He’s going to be a good one for a long time.”

 This kind of praise from a manager who has overseen big-league talent carries significant weight.


Early Struggles, Recent Upside

Despite Roberts’ glowing remarks, Rushing’s overall offensive numbers this year remain modest. Through late June, he’s slashing a .212 batting average with an OPS+ of 88–below league average. It’s more of a slow burn than a blazing breakthrough thus far.

However, recent signs hint at a hot streak. Over his last seven games, Rushing has hit .250 with a .429 OBP. That stretch underscores his ability to adjust to major league pitching and contribute timely hits. Even with occasional benching–he went 0-for-4 in a recent game versus Kansas City. Rushing continues to display glimpses of the ability that makes him an intriguing figure in the Dodgers’ plans, and possibly in trade discussions.

Rushing works under the tutelage of Roberts, who’s been around iconic figures since his playing days, including winning roles with the 2004 World Series Red Sox and, now, guiding Dodgers superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. For Roberts to frame Rushing in the same conversation is about more than potential. it’s about character and grit, traits scouts covet.

“I think that superstars that I’ve been around, they have an edge and they have a chip. And I just think that he plays with an edge and a chip,” Roberts said. “He always feels he’s the best option, and that’s what some of the best have.”

Rushing’s ability to handle top-tier pitching adds to his intrigue. Rushing’s battery-mate, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, recently praised his game-calling. “He was calling my strengths pretty well,” Yamamoto said, acknowledging that Rushing’s pitch sequencing played a role in the ace’s success.


Never-Ending Prospect to MLB Reality

Once heralded as one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, Rushing’s promotion marked a key step. While his debut hasn’t stormed the league, flashes of brilliance reinforce why he was so highly regarded. His confidence, plate control, and defensive presence reflect both his pedigree and readiness.

Rushing’s next steps will be about consistency. Can he sustain hot stretches and keep maturing behind the plate? And can he build on that rapport with the Dodgers’ pitching staff, especially veterans and top arms like Yamamoto?


The Draft-Trade Connection

There’s a strategic layer brewing in the Dodgers’ front office. It has been suggested that the Dodgers could draft UNC catcher Luke Stevenson this July, a move that might signal plans to trade Rushing before the July 31 Deadline. While Rushing is a top prospect, his path to regular playing time is blocked by All-Star Will Smith, leaving the Dodgers with a valuable chip they could cash in for help elsewhere on the roster.

Drafting another catcher would give the Dodgers insurance and flexibility, making it easier to part with Rushing if the right deal arises. Teams coveting a young, left-handed hitting catcher might pay a premium, especially as contenders look to bolster their rosters for October. For now, Rushing’s future hangs in the balance–a potential star in Dodger blue or a key piece in the franchise’s next blockbuster trade.

Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski

 

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