When you think of the Los Angeles Dodgers' offensive firepower, names like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman usually come to mind. But this season, a backup player is quietly outperforming them all.

Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers' versatile backup catcher who also sees time at first base and designated hitter, is absolutely tearing the cover off the ball. While the team as a whole has been mired in a slump, Rushing has been a bright spot—and then some.

According to FanGraphs, Rushing's weighted runs created plus (wRC+) sits at an eye-popping 244. For context, that's well ahead of the next-best Dodger, Max Muncy, who checks in at 166. The gap between Rushing and the rest of the roster isn't just a lead—it's a full-on sprint.

But Rushing's dominance doesn't stop at the Dodgers' clubhouse. When you look at all of Major League Baseball, his 244 wRC+ ranks among the top five hitters, regardless of plate appearances. And if you filter to players with at least 10 plate appearances, only San Francisco Giants' Daniel Susac (227 wRC+ in 24 plate appearances) comes close.

For comparison, the current MLB leader among qualified hitters is Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, with a wRC+ of 220. That means Rushing, in his limited role, is outperforming one of the most feared hitters in the game.

Of course, with great success often comes a little friction. Rushing has quickly become a polarizing figure around the league. He's been caught on camera twice swearing at opponents, including a heated exchange with Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya, whom he reportedly called a "fat f—" after a stolen base. He also appeared to taunt San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee after a collision at the plate.

The next day, Rushing took a fastball to the ribs—though both he and Giants pitcher Logan Webb downplayed any intent. Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner later confirmed Rushing's fiery language, adding fuel to the rivalry.

While opposing fan bases may despise his antics, Dodgers fans are rallying around their hard-nosed backup. As Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain put it: "I absolutely love how Dalton Rushing has fans around MLB in their feelings about him. Dalton Rushing is on a generational run. He has pissed off fans of other teams."

Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is clear: Dalton Rushing is making the most of every opportunity at the plate—and he's not backing down from anyone.