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Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing during a May 5, 2026 game with the Houston Astros.

The Los Angeles Dodgers assembled a dynastic team. However, with expiring contracts and advancing age, the need for emerging talent becomes apparent. Catcher/first baseman Dalton Rushing is starting to make a name for himself. Depending on what day it is, that could be for his play or his words. Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo from The Athletic delved into the mind and circumstances of baseball’s soon-to-be villain, drawing the comparison between him and a hated player of the recent past.

“A.J. Pierzynski laughed at the comparison this week. There are easy dots to connect between Pierzynski and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing, two men who don’t have much of a relationship but now occupy a similar space as catchers who have developed something of a reputation for shenanigans.”

For 19 seasons, as a member of seven MLB teams, A.J. Pierzynski annoyed opponents and occasionally teammates. His brash style may have won his applause from inside the clubhouse. However, across the field, opponents despised him. For example, former Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett decided to take matters into his own fists.

It’s Opening Day. Rich Hill is unsigned for the first time in years.

In honor of Rich Hill’s career, here’s a reminder that he was the one pitching during the Pierzynski vs Barrett fight pic.twitter.com/wjTVMXOfp5

— Jacob (@AndThatsBB) March 28, 2024

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Rushing continues to veer in that direction. While the game is built upon fiery competitive players, the line between that and obnoxious remains razor-thin. So far, in 2026, Rushing continues to veer across it. For example, when San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee left the game with an injury, cameras caught Rushing saying, “f— him.” To say that social media buzzed about it remains an understatement.

“The game will balance out; eventually he will meet someone on another team that has that type of mentality.”

GettyLos Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing hits a grand slam against the New York Mets on April 15, 2026.

Unapologetic Catcher Bides Time for Starting Spot

Despite the furor over Rushing, his performance at the plate bears notice. In just 58 at-bats, the left-handed batter hits. 328 with seven home runs and 17 runs batted in while slashing .400/.724/1.124. On top of that, Rushing hits the ball with serious force. According to Baseball Savant, Rushing’s exit velocity (90.0) ranks ahead of the MLB average (88.6). On top of that, his barrel makes contact at a far higher rate (13.3) than the league average (7.6).

GettyLos Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing during Spring Training.

Teammates Back Rushing With a Hint of Caution

With his focus and talent, even veteran players like Freddie Freeman would like to see the player succeed.

“Dalton can sometimes black out on a baseball field, but he believes in himself,” Freeman said. “He cares so much about wanting to be good, so you can’t fault someone for that. That would just be taking away something from who Dalton Rushing is. So for me, I’m not gonna ever tell him not to do that. I mean, maybe watch what you’re saying on cameras, you know, and stuff like that.”

Freeman, like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, will head to the Hall of Fame after the end of their respective careers. With time, Rushing can learn from veterans and change. If nothing else, baseball is an exercise in karmic circumstance. Rushing, like Pierzynski before him, could have diamond justice settle in.