The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.
Rortvedt spent the last few months of the 2025 season with the Dodgers, coming to L.A. in a three-team trade with the Reds and Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline. He played the final few months of the season with the Dodgers, but they placed him on waivers following the end of the season.
The Reds claimed him in November, but placed him back on waivers after signing All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez to a one-year, $15 million contract.
The Dodgers have a full 40-man roster, and will have to make a roster move to add the catcher to their roster.
Oct 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt (47) hits a double against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesHow Did Ben Rortvedt Perform in 2025?
Rortvedt started his tenure with the Dodgers in Triple-A, but only spent 17 games with Oklahoma City. Shortly after acquiring Rortvedt, the Dodgers fell into an injury crisis behind the plate.
Will Smith suffered a bone bruise in his hand at the beginning of Sept. 2025, and Dalton Rushing landed on the injured list after a foul ball struck him in the knee shortly after.
Rortvedt stepped straight into the starting role, and took full advantage of his opportunity.
He played most of the final 18 games of the regular season for the Dodgers, posting a .636 OPS with a .224 batting average, and also played towards the beginning of the postseason.
He stepped up to the plate seven times during the postseason, batting .429 and posting a 1.071 OPS with an RBI through four appearances.
Rortvedt had plenty of good things to say about L.A. before his departure, and will surely be happy to be back and compete for a spot on the roster.
“It was tough when I came in but I really appreciate the support,” Rortvedt said after the Reds claimed him. “It’s been really cool to come in and try to do my job but feel support from the fans and be able to be myself.”
Are you happy to have Ben Rortvedt back with the Dodgers?
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×