Dalton Rushing Is Bringing an Edge to 2026 - and the Dodgers Might Need It
DodgerFest is always a reminder that the Dodgers’ success isn’t just bought - it’s built. Yes, they make the splashy free-agent moves.
But they also develop talent that can step into the spotlight when it matters. Catcher Dalton Rushing is a prime example, and as he heads into his first full big league season, he’s not just looking to contribute - he’s aiming to make an impact.
Rushing spoke over the weekend about approaching 2026 with what he called “a little bit different of an edge.” And that edge?
It’s not about flash. It’s about readiness.
It’s about being the kind of player who can make the most of limited opportunities on a roster that’s already loaded with stars.
“Similar to last year with a little bit different of an edge,” Rushing said. “Just kind of be ready for whatever opportunity pops up, whether it’s first or behind the plate… and kind of take advantage of it in any way I can and be a threat on both sides of the ball.”
That’s not just talk. Rushing knows his role starts with versatility.
With Will Smith entrenched as the team’s primary catcher, Rushing is preparing for a do-it-all job - catching, first base, maybe even more. He’s not waiting to be told what to do.
He’s planning for every possibility.
“I’ve really planned to be able to play any position they ask,” he said. “Whether I’ve played it before or I haven’t… take advantage of every opportunity. I know catching, first base is going to kind of be the main two… but also… nothing’s out of store.”
That kind of flexibility is critical on a team like this. The Dodgers don’t just have depth - they have stars at almost every position. That means opportunities can be scarce, and Rushing knows he has to be ready to pounce when they come.
“Understand what my role is to start, but also be aware of the opportunities that I could have,” he said. “Last year, a few opportunities kind of caught me by surprise… Whether it was because it was my rookie year and just got like a million things going on or I was just getting comfortable. Whatever the case may be, I want to be able to take advantage of every opportunity.”
That’s the edge he’s talking about - not just urgency in a big moment, but urgency that lasts. Not just a hot streak, but a mindset.
“Continue to go back and fight to be on the field as much as I can,” he said.
Offseason Focus: Making His Swing His Own
One of the biggest takeaways from Rushing’s offseason? He’s working to make his swing more sustainable - not something that depends on constant live reps to stay sharp.
“That was a big focus this offseason,” he said. “Just understanding that if you can kind of build your swing as your swing and you know what swing’s going to play, you don’t have to really worry that you’re going to be at the disadvantage not seeing pitches in three to four days.”
That’s a big deal for a player who might not be in the lineup every night. It’s about preparing for the reality of a supporting role - and making sure that when his number is called, he doesn’t need a week of at-bats to get going.
Learning to Catch the Best
Behind the plate, Rushing is still adjusting to the big leagues - but not in the way you might think. It’s not the speed of the game that’s the biggest difference. It’s the experience of the pitchers he’s working with.
“It’s different,” he said. “The biggest difference being here is who you’re catching every night.
You’re not just catching a guy that just got called up. You’re catching guys that have done this for eight to 18 years.”
And here’s where Rushing really shows his maturity. He’s not trying to fix anyone. He’s trying to learn them.
“Their routine’s been the same way for 10 years,” he said. “You don’t come in, you don’t change any of that.
So adapting to that was for sure a little bit of a difference - but that’s what I wanted. I want to work with these guys, because I want to catch the best.”
That’s what separates a backup catcher from a true asset. Rushing isn’t just trying to survive behind the plate - he’s trying to thrive by understanding the staff, not just managing it.
The Mental Game: Less Pressure, More Freedom
Rushing also pointed out something that doesn’t always make the headlines: how knowing the pitching staff can actually free up your offense. When you’re not overthinking every inning or pitch sequence, you can play looser - and that can make all the difference at the plate.
“The knowledge I think that I took from working with these guys last year, being able to understand some of these pitchers… that takes pressure off the offensive side,” he said. “When you’re not thinking about what you’re going to do in the fifth or the sixth with Blake Snell or Clayton Kershaw, you’re going to live a little free and you’re going to play a little more free.”
That’s the kind of insight you get from someone who’s been in the fire - and who learned from it.
Owning the Moment - and the Missed Ones
Rushing was also honest about the moments he let slip away in his rookie season. That kind of self-awareness isn’t always easy to find in a young player.
“I kind of expected out of myself last year,” he said, “and… I didn’t take advantage of what was actually in front of me sometimes. And it makes a big difference in your game, the way you play.”
He’s not hiding from it. He’s using it.
And when he talks about the way the Dodgers played in the biggest moments - referencing the team’s approach in Games 6 and 7 - you can tell he’s internalizing that standard.
“You play the way that our whole team played Game Six and Seven,” he said. “It didn’t matter whose name was called. We stepped up.”
That’s the bar. And Rushing knows the real challenge is playing with that same urgency in April, May, and June - not just in October.
“If you can treat all 162 like that,” he said, “we’ll be in a good spot.”
Spring Training and the Road Ahead
As spring training approaches, Rushing’s focus is clear: be physically ready, mentally flexible, and open to whatever the Dodgers need. Catching is still his foundation, but he’s training for first base - and even the outfield, just in case.
“It’s just a little more time of getting your body ready and understanding that hey, you may have to be in the outfield, you may have to be at first base,” he said. He hasn’t been told anything definitive about playing outfield, but that’s not stopping him from preparing.
“I wanted to plan for it. I wanted to be able to do whatever they asked.”
That’s the edge he’s bringing into 2026. And if it all clicks, Dodgers fans might not just see a second-year player looking to earn his spot - they might see a guy who’s already playing like he belongs.