Starting today, I will preview a couple of positions a day as we approach 2026. I am going to focus on what could happen at the positions, possible trades, and possible prospects at those positions. Here we go. No surprises here.
Catcher
Players who could see time here:
- Will Smith – All-Star Starter, and there has been no talk of having him play any other position, even on a part-time basis.
- Dalton Rushing – Capable backup who has yet to show his value. He is not being pushed… yet!
- Chuckie Robinson – He is on OKC’s roster for emergencies and at 31 years old has only 130 ABs in the Show
- Eliezer Alfonzo – While he is 5 years younger and a switch-hitter, a lot will have to go wrong for him to appear in a game.
Darkhorse – Ben Rortvedt may not make the Reds roster, and the Dodgers could look to get him back.
First Base
Players who could see time here:
- Freddie Freeman – 1B belongs to Freddie, but (a) he is allegedly having some procedures that could cost him time early in the season; and (b) he is going to be 37 next year, so more rest is anticipated. His contract calls for him to make $27 million in 2026 and 2027, and then he will be a free agent at age 38. I will not even speculate whether he has a year or two left in the tank until that time comes. A lot can happen between now and then…
- Dalton Rushing – Not only is he the backup catcher, but he is also the backup 1B. I look for him to play a lot there early in the season. Were Freddie to go down for any significant time, the job might be Dalton’s to lose!
- Ryan Ward – If he makes the team, he can also play 1B. However, he is also LH, as is Rushing.
Darkhorses: Max Muncy – He can play 1B, but then who plays 3B? Josue DePaula – Many think he will end up at 1B, but it has not happened yet, and it appears unlikely in 2026.
2026 is a critical year for Dalton Rushing. He should get a lot of playing time in the Spring and possibly subbing for Freddie early in the season. If he does well, the Dodgers will carve out more at-bats for him. If not, he becomes a solid backup catcher with power. I can see him getting 350 ABs in 2026, but that is contingent upon him hitting .240+ with 15 big flies.
Discussion (28)
Disagree, not disagreeable
On my way home to Colorado. Saw Song Sung Blue. Excellent movie, I highly recommend it.
What do the Dodgers do with Bobby Miller in 2026? His stats in the minor leagues are awful and his trade value will not bring anything back worth talking about. He has also one remaining option. How he has regressed since being drafted. What I’ve witnessed is the physical talent is there but NOT the mental part of the game when things start going wrong. His inability to throw strikes consistently is maddening.
Everyone is so quick to count out Muncy. I say put Will at 2nd. Muncy has 3 good years left.
Yeah, leave him behind tha plate for at least 2 more years! He’s an elite defender who can hit! Start the transition slowly , but start it this year a little at a time. He’s probably going to be just as good as Max, maybe better!
Will. has the arm to play 3rd base. He also has the glove! I would love to see him play some 3rd against left handed pitchers with Dalton catching. Sign Bichette NOW! If Will can play some 3rd, no reason for Dalton to play any outfield. Relieving Will,Freddie, and yes , give ohtani a day off after pitching and let Dalton DH! Plenty of options available for him to get the AB’s he needs.
Many catches, like Sean Murphy, Salavador Perez, Cal Raleigh, Tyler Stephenson, Alejandro Kirk, Danny Jansen, are all over 230 pounds, in addition to most being over 6′ tall.
Will Smith is 5′ 10″ tall and 195.
Catching beats the hell out of him. In 2024, he played in 126 games. Last year, it was 110 games. He is not the best catcher in baseball if he is not on the field… and BTW, Cal Raleigh is the best!
I’d like to see Will catch about 90 games and Dalton catch 72. Will can play 2B, 3B or LF if given the chance. He is a good athlete, of slight build. Dalton Rushing is an inch taller and 25 pounds heavier. As I said, catching beats the hell out of you. Will Smith has an elite bat – use it!
Will Smith is the best catcher in baseball and there’s little doubt.
Mark, will some with more knowledge than me please explain why we are not trying to save will smiths bat by playing him at least part time at another position. His stat history shows a clear drop in the second half. Rushing is at the ready. We need Smith fresh for the postseason. There must be something I am missing.
Max was a pretty good first baseman before Freddie joined the team.
If Freddie winds up on the DL, Max could shift to 1B and Edman or Rojas could cover 3B.