2 Dodgers Make MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 Catcher Prospects List

Already well-known in baseball for producing pitchers, the Dodgers also have a knack for drafting and developing young catchers. Will Smith is the most recent example of this prowess, as he has emerged as one of the game’s best all-around players at the position.

Recently, MLB released their list of top-10 catching prospects, and, to no surprise, a Dodgers catcher made the list. Most impressive is that two catchers from the Dodgers farm system made this list.

MLB ranked Diego Cartaya as the number ten pitching prospect ahead of next year. Just a year ago, the Dodgers named Cartaya their Minor League Player of the Year, and he ranked as the team’s number-one prospect.

Unfortunately, after struggling in Double-A, he has fallen precipitously on these lists. His talent and age still give him an edge over other catching prospects. At just 22 years old, he can continue to develop in the minor leagues, working his way to the show.

Dalton Rushing ranked fifth on the same list. He will turn 23 in a few weeks but has quickly risen these lists after the Dodgers drafted him in 2022 out of Louisville – the same school as Will Smith.

Rushing did not get much playing time at Louisville as he played behind Henry Davis, the 2021 number-one overall pick. However, he has absolutely raked in the minor leagues. In High-A ball last year, he had 15 home runs and a .452 slugging percentage in 89 games.

Smith only has one more year of arbitration after the 2024 season before he hits free agency. Hopefully, the Dodgers sign him to an extension, but if they do not, they have a few prospects to be excited about.

Photo Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

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