3 Dodgers Under Most Pressure to Perform Following Shocking Roster Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked the Major League Baseball world on Wednesday as they designated their longest-tenured position player for assignment to call up their No. 1 overall prospect.
Catcher Austin Barnes, who had spent his entire 11-year MLB career with the Dodgers, was designated for assignment. Dalton Rushing, the team's 2022 second-round pick and top prospect, has been called up.
More news: Dodgers Place Roki Sasaki on IL Adding to Growing List of Injured Pitchers
This move sent shockwaves around the baseball world, but also sent a clear message to the league — and to the team's current crop of players: The Dodgers are only focused on winning and putting the best players on the field.
So, with that being said, Newsweek Sports wanted to take a look at three other Dodgers potentially now on the hot seat following this massive decision.
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 15: Players from Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after winning the MLB Tokyo Series between Los Angeles Dodgers and Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on March 15, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 15: Players from Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after winning the MLB Tokyo Series between Los Angeles Dodgers and Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on March 15, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.1. Chris Taylor
The new longest-tenured Dodgers position player, Taylor has struggled to regain his 2021 All-Star form over the last few seasons. He's had a sub-.700 OPS in three of the last four years. He's just 7-for-32 (.219) this season with an OPS of .500, mainly coming in as a defensive replacement.
More news: Former Yankees Pitcher Traded Away for Juan Soto Has Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Taylor is in the last year of his four-year, $60 million deal. He has a $12 million club option for 2026 that will certainly be declined. However, if he continues to struggle — and the Dodgers feel like they could get better bench production elsewhere — it now feels more possible that they move on from him at some point this season.
2. Michael Conforto
Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason, hoping to be this year's version of Teoscar Hernández.
It has not worked out.
After finally breaking through with a three-hit game on Tuesday, Conforto is now hitting .172 with an OPS of .590.
Rushing is also a left-handed hitter who the Dodgers have tried out in left field, Conforto's primary position.
The pressure is on for Conforto to start living up to his contract.
3. James Outman
The former Dodgers top prospect burst onto the scene with an impressive rookie season in 2023. He's struggled mightily ever since.
This year, Outman is just 1-for-15 (.167) with 10 strikeouts. While Rushing won't play center field, the Dodgers could easily move things around to ensure his bat is in the lineup over Outman's on any given day.
More news: Yankees Castoff Making New York Regret Giving Up on Him With All-Star Caliber Season
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