School: University of Louisville; Class: Junior
Position: C; B/T: L/R
Height: 6-1; Weight: 220
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: Brighton High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45/50 | 55 | 20 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: Practically unknown – at least to the casual fan – heading into the 2022 season. Of course, locked into a backup role behind the eventual top pick in the 2021 draft will have that effect. But Rushing, a lefty-swinging backstop, patiently waited for his opportunity at a full time starting gig. And he capitalized on it.
After seeing limited time as Henry Davis’s backup during his freshman and sophomore seasons, Rushing got his first taste of regular action as a member of the Bourne Braves during the summer of 2021. He responded by slugging .314/.401/.542 with nine doubles and six homeruns in 34 games. And he carried that momentum into his breakout junior campaign.
In 64 games for the Cardinals, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound catcher mashed .310/.470/.686 with 16 doubles, 23 homeruns, and four stolen bases. He finished the year with an impeccable 58-to-50 strikeout-to-walk ratio as well.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only four Division I hitters met the following criteria in a season (min. 275 PA): bat at least .300/.450/.675 with a walk rate north of 15% and a strikeout rate between 18% and 22%. Those four hitters: Jonathan India, the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year and fifth overall pick in 2018; Brent Rooker, the 35th overall pick in 2017; Austin Listi (who met the criteria as a 23-year-old); and – of course – Dalton Rushing.
Rushing continues to stay in the shadows of other top backstops in the 2022 draft class. Above-average patience at the plate, solid contact skills, and above-average thump. He also controls the opposition’s running game incredibly well. Starts from a wide, open stance. Good bat speed. He’s going to face shifts (for as long as they’re legal). There’s more projection left for someone his age, thanks to his lack of playing time during the first couple of years in college.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First /Second Round
