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Roberts Hails Rushing’s Star Potential as Dodgers Weigh Trading Top Prospect

Front-office plans to draft UNC catcher Luke Stevenson this month could clear the way for trading Rushing before the July 31 deadline.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 27: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers waits for a pitch in the fourth inning during a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 27, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Overview

  • Manager Dave Roberts praised Rushing’s confidence at the plate and his ability to control the hitting zone, forecasting a “superstar” future.
  • Through late June, Rushing is slashing .212/.305/.308 (OPS+88) in 18 games, but his path to regular starts is blocked by Will Smith’s 10-year, $140 million contract.
  • Ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto commended Rushing’s game-calling, saying he effectively sequenced his strengths on the mound.
  • In MLB.com’s latest mock draft, the Dodgers are projected to use their No. 40 pick on UNC catcher Luke Stevenson to bolster organizational depth.
  • Front-office discussions suggest the Dodgers could leverage Stevenson’s arrival to trade Rushing before the July 31 deadline and maximize his prospect value.