Dodgers Catching Prospect Just Misses Spot on Top 100 MLB Prospects List
When MLB Pipeline released their Top 100 Prospects list last month, the Dodgers had the second-most players on the list with seven. As it turns out, it was almost more. Catching prospect Dalton Rushing, LA's first pick in the 2022 draft, nearly made the list.
Over at MLB.com, they've published an article about 10 prospects who came close to making the list, and they were gushing about Rushing.
While the Dodgers already enjoy one catcher among the Top 100 prospects in Diego Cartaya (No. 14 overall), another is on the horizon via their 2022 Draft class. Despite being bumped back 10 selections due to exceeding luxury tax rules, L.A. added to its stout system with Rushing, a Louisville backstop whose collegiate playing time was stunted by waiting behind Henry Davis, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2021 Draft.
“I think the industry slept on him a little bit,” [Jim] Callis said of Rushing. “Area scouts who covered both guys believe he’s a better receiver than Davis.”
Rushing hit the ground running last summer, slashing a gaudy .424/.539/.778 with 19 extra-base hits and 30 RBIs in just 28 games with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. More production anywhere near that level will assuredly put the 21-year-old in the Top 100 conversation.
Rushing has been a professional for less than a year, and he's already opening some eyes. The note about his receiving is interesting, as some scouts say he's still a bit raw behind the plate. His ability to stay behind the plate will somewhat determine his ceiling, but if he hits anything like he did last year, he'll have the bat to be a big-leaguer regardless of his position.
The Los Angeles engine keeps on churning.
