The Los Angeles Dodgers have been rolling along as one of the most dominant teams in baseball this season, even while dealing with their fair share of injuries.
As back-to-back World Series champions entering 2026, they came into the year as heavy favorites to three-peat, and their strong 63-37 record heading into the trade deadline has only reinforced that belief. Fans and analysts alike expected the team to make some splashy moves to bolster their roster, but it turns out one area many thought needed help will stay untouched.
Despite the ongoing absence of star catcher Will Smith, the Dodgers have decided against adding any significant catching depth before the deadline.
Smith has been sidelined with a nagging injury that’s kept him out for a while now, with expectations that he won’t return until at least mid-August. In his place, the team has leaned heavily on Dalton Rushing, who has stepped up in a big way.
Rushing, who has drawn plenty of attention—both positive and controversial—since taking on more responsibility, has performed solidly. He’s hitting around .247 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs, showing competence both at the plate and behind it. According to reports, the Dodgers are comfortable rolling with him as the primary option for the rest of the season, alongside Eliezer Alfonzo.
This decision comes as something of a surprise to those who figured the injury would prompt a search for veteran insurance behind the plate.
But Katie Woo of The Athletic has reported that the Dodgers feel good about their internal options and sees no need to chase external upgrades in that department. It’s a vote of confidence in Rushing’s ability to hold down the fort while Smith works his way back.
Of course, the Dodgers aren’t ignoring the deadline entirely. With Shohei Ohtani also currently sidelined from pitching duties, there could still be movement elsewhere on the roster. Yet the catching position, once viewed as a potential area of concern, appears settled for now.
Looking ahead, this approach speaks to just how deep and talented the Dodgers’ roster remains. They’ve invested heavily in star power and supporting pieces over the past few years, creating a lineup that’s tough to match across the board.
Even without major additions at catcher, they’re still considered the team to beat and the betting favorites to win it all again in 2026.
Will Smith’s eventual return should only make them stronger, creating a solid tandem with Rushing down the stretch and into the postseason. For a franchise that’s built to contend year after year, this kind of internal trust could be exactly what keeps their championship window wide open.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on where else Los Angeles chooses to add, but for now, the catching situation is one less thing for fans to worry about.
