The Dodgers had James Tibbs on the radar for a September promotion, but a different roster path won out when the team expanded to 28 players on Tuesday.
Instead of bringing up Tibbs, Los Angeles recalled catcher Dalton Rushing and switch-hitting infielder Alex Freeland. That decision came after the club gave serious thought to Tibbs, according to Jack Harris of the California Post, but Rushing’s return changed the equation.
"Had [Rushing] not been ready to come back yet, left-handed-hitting outfield prospect James Tibbs III might have been a stronger candidate to be called up from the minors, one source said, after receiving serious consideration for a promotion in recent days," Harris wrote. "Instead, the Dodgers opted for Freeland, who (unlike Tibbs) was already on the 40-man roster, and will also give the team more roster flexibility in hopes of enhancing the offense’s overall production."
Tibbs has been in the Dodgers organization for a little over a year, arriving from the Red Sox ahead of last year’s trade deadline in the deal that sent right-handed pitcher Dustin May to Boston and brought Tibbs and Zach Ehrhard to Los Angeles.
The 2026 season has been a loud one for Tibbs at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In 126 games, he’s hit .293 with a .957 OPS, 27 home runs and 97 RBIs, production that has pushed him into the conversation as one of the organization’s most intriguing bats.
He’s now ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 7 prospect and is viewed as a hitter who’s getting close to big-league ready. The issue isn’t the bat. It’s finding the right defensive home.
Tibbs mainly handles corner outfield work, but those spots are currently occupied by Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker. He has also seen time at first base, where Freddie Freeman remains in place.
According to MLB.com, the Georgia native is projected to reach the majors by 2027.
A call-up this month still isn’t off the table, but the window looks tighter now that Sept. 1 has passed, which means he would not be postseason-eligible.
“Obviously, the season’s not over, so there are [other roster moves] that could happen,” Roberts said.
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