The Los Angeles Dodgers face a critical decision regarding their catching position as the team navigates an injury to star catcher Will Smith. Smith, currently sidelined with a neck injury, has struggled with persistent symptoms linked to an inflamed disk, delaying his return to full baseball activities. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Smith has been unable to overcome the issue despite attempts to resume hitting and throwing, prompting the team to pursue a period of complete rest aimed at reducing inflammation and improving flexibility.
In Smith’s absence, Dalton Rushing has taken on primary catching duties, producing mixed results. Offensively, Rushing carries a .799 on-base plus slugging (OPS) through the season, placing him fifth among major league catchers with at least 200 plate appearances as of last Friday. However, his recent performance has dipped, going hitless in his last 13 at-bats and seeing his batting average fall from .266 before Smith’s injury to .233 afterward. Defensively, Rushing ranks near the bottom of major league catchers in defensive runs saved, positioned just ahead of the Los Angeles Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe. His defensive struggles were highlighted Friday at Yankee Stadium when a passed ball led to the only run in the Dodgers' 2-1 win.
Historically, the Dodgers have prioritized defense behind the plate, especially during postseason play. In the 2020 World Series, Austin Barnes caught the majority of games despite Smith’s presence. Similarly, in the 2025 playoffs, Ben Rortvedt — acquired at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays — started ahead of Rushing in the first four games. Rortvedt fits the Dodgers’ desired profile of a defensively proficient catcher with major league readiness. Currently in Triple-A with the New York Mets, Rortvedt represents the type of player the Dodgers may consider to reinforce the position.
Other options within the Dodgers’ organization include Eliezer Alfonzo, who has limited major league experience and is yet to record a hit in nine at-bats, and Chuckie Robinson, a minor league journeyman who was recently released. The front office might also explore external options such as Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins or Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens of the Mets, though no significant moves appear imminent.
On the pitching front, the Dodgers are monitoring the health of key starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, all recovering from injuries. While the team has ruled out pursuing a depth starter like Detroit’s Tarik Skubal due to the Tigers’ competitive standing in the American League wild-card race, they acknowledge the need for reliable starting pitching to bolster their playoff rotation.
Ultimately, the Dodgers’ most pressing trade deadline priority may come down to securing a defensively reliable catcher, potentially for a modest salary, to support a roster that otherwise commands nearly half a billion dollars in payroll and luxury tax commitments this season.