High prospect Dalton Dashing joins the Dodgers, including energy and flexibility to an already loaded roster in a postseason-bound season.
In a season already gilded with promise, the Los Angeles Dodgers have added one other web page to their ever-growing story of excellence. On a sun-washed Wednesday in Might, amid a 27-15 begin and postseason aspirations already whispering within the air, they turned the web page to a brand new chapter — one named Dalton Dashing.
The membership’s prime prospect and considered one of baseball’s most polished younger hitters, Dashing will now step into the highlight. To not carry the load, however to be taught, to develop, and possibly, so as to add one other spark to a crew already burning vibrant.
Dalton Dashing has been known as up by the Dodger per @FabianArdaya.
2025 (AAA): 132 PA, .308/.424/.515, 5 2B, 5 HR, 15.9% BB, 22% Ok
Dashing is without doubt one of the greatest prospect bats within the sport, however his PT state of affairs is cloudy.#LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/EsqDSbmRkb
— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) Might 14, 2025
From Prospect to Presence: Dashing’s Ascent
There’s one thing quiet about greatness within the making. Dalton Dashing didn’t burst onto the scene — he climbed towards it. Drafted within the second spherical in 2022, Dashing has executed what all Dodgers prospects are taught to do: keep regular, keep humble, keep ready.
At Triple-A this season, he has executed greater than earn a call-up — he demanded it. Hitting .308 with a .424 OBP and 5 residence runs in 132 plate appearances, Dashing proved he wasn’t only a future piece. He was prepared now.
Dalton Dashing stated again in Spring that his future position for the Dodgers was to again up Smith.
“From a catching perspective, my job is to step in and make Will’s job simpler. Give him slightly little bit of time. Let him be the participant that he’s and make a push for the Corridor of Fame.” pic.twitter.com/4TXaCR4b7n
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) Might 14, 2025
A catcher by commerce, Dashing has proven outstanding versatility, logging innings at first base and within the outfield. However his bat is the calling card — a left-handed stroke with compact energy, pure carry, and a endurance on the plate past his years. He doesn’t simply swing; he calculates, he waits, after which he punishes.
His arrival comes not as a necessity however as a luxurious. And in Los Angeles, these have a tendency to show into legends.
A Farewell, A Welcome, and a Balancing Act
With each starting in baseball, there’s an ending. To make room for Dashing, the Dodgers designated longtime veteran Austin Barnes for project. The transfer was greater than transactional — it was emotional. Barnes was the longest-tenured place participant on the roster, a quiet cornerstone of previous Octobers.
The Dodgers, with grace, stated goodbye with a message that felt like a thank-you letter — from a corporation to a professional who by no means requested for the highlight, however all the time wore the jersey with function.
Austin Barnes has been DFA’d by the Dodgers after 11 seasons with the crew.
Dalton Dashing has been known as up his place.
Barnes, thanks a lot for all the things 🙏
Through David Vassegh pic.twitter.com/uVMbJYEwKc
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) Might 14, 2025
Now, the baton passes to Dashing, whose alternative will are available in spurts. Will Smith is without doubt one of the greatest catchers within the sport, hitting .330 with an on-base share north of .420. However Smith additionally will get extra relaxation than most elite backstops, giving Dashing the runway to work behind the plate.
Anticipate him additionally at first base on Freddie Freeman’s off days, or in left discipline when the Dodgers shuffle their stacked lineup. In a roster outlined by its flexibility, Dashing turns into one other device within the toolbox — a hammer once they want one, a glove once they don’t.
The Dodgers didn’t want Dashing. However that’s by no means stopped them earlier than from making a great crew even higher.
No Strain, Solely Promise
The fantastic thing about the second is that there isn’t a rush. Not for Dashing.
The Dodgers don’t want him to hit cleanup. They don’t want him to avoid wasting a season. They want him to be what he already is: ready, affected person, and poised. That’s how the Dodgers construct — not on hype, however on basis.
Dashing brings greater than a refined bat. He brings vitality, athleticism, and a presence past the numbers. He’s faster than most catchers. Smarter than most rookies. And already, he’s seasoned from the grind of the minor leagues.
If he finds his rhythm early, he may very well be one other weapon come October — a trusted bat off the bench, a gentle presence behind the plate, or possibly extra. However even when that doesn’t occur instantly, the Dodgers can wait. They’re constructed to.
Dalton Dashing’s story doesn’t should be written in a flash. It simply has to start. And now, in Los Angeles, underneath the lights of Chavez Ravine, it does.
