The Los Angeles Dodgers once again boast some of Major League Baseball’s top prospects, and two of their prized catchers, Dalton Rushing and Diego Cartaya, rank among the best at their respective position.
MLB Pipeline ranked Rushing at No. 6 on their list of top-10 prospects at the catcher position, while Cartaya rounded out the group at 10th.
The pair have seen their stock flip in the Dodgers farm system after a power-filled year for Rushing propelled him into a different light. The left-handed product out of Louisville, selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, has shined thus far.
In 89 games with Single-A Great Lakes, Rushing totaled an .856 on-base plus slugging percentage with 18 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, 53 RBI and 72 walks. Even with swing and miss in his game, Rushing makes up for it with his ability to walk, which boosted his .404 on-base percentage.
Cartaya, is a big-bodied 22-year-old, whom the Dodgers signed out of Venezuela during the 2018 international class. Although he endured his most difficult year in professional baseball in 2023, Cartaya still has the respect among evaluators as one of the best young backstops.
Also ranked by MLB Pipeline were Ethan Salas (San Diego Padres), Samuel Basallo (Baltimore Orioles), Jeferson Quero (Milwaukee Brewers), Harry Ford (Seattle Mariners) and Kyle Teel (Boston Red Sox).
Sandwiched between Rushing and Cartaya are Blake Mitchell (Kansas City Royals), Moises Ballesteros (Chicago Cubs) and Edgar Quero (Chicago White Sox).
Cartaya was previously as high as No. 5 in 2022. He ranked sixth heading into the 2023 season but a rough year has pushed him down various boards, including his status as one of the Dodgers top prospects.
Dalton Rushing named to Baseball America’s Top 100
The Dodgers had four prospects featured on Baseball America’s top 100 list for the 2024 season, led by Rushing (No. 50).
Also on the list are Gavin Stone (No. 82), Andy Pages (No. 96) and Nick Frasso (No. 97).
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