The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a member of their 2025 World Series-winning roster on Wednesday when catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. Rortvedt’s departure reduces the LA’s 40-man roster to 39, while the Reds add another option behind the plate, moving from 37 to 38 players.
Rortvedt’s Journeyman Career
At 28, Rortvedt has been a journeyman across the major leagues, appearing in 227 games with four teams: the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Dodgers. Known primarily for his defense, Rortvedt has excelled at pitch framing and game calling but has struggled offensively, posting a .190/.279/.270 line with nine home runs over his career.
Despite modest offensive numbers, his defensive contributions have made him a valuable backup. During his 2024 season with the Rays, Rortvedt produced 1.4 wins above replacement thanks to his glovework, even as his batting line of .228/.317/.303 translates to roughly 13% below the league average overall.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
2025 Season and Postseason Role
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Vote For Your Favorite Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Rortvedt’s 2025 season began with the Rays, where he hit just .095/.186/.111 and was outrighted to the minors by early June. He was traded to the Dodgers on July 31 in a three-team deal that sent Zack Littell to Cincinnati. With Will Smith injured, Rortvedt stepped in behind the plate, hitting a more serviceable .224/.309/.327 over the regular season stretch. He also played in four postseason games, including appearances in the National League Wild Card Series against the Reds and two NLDS games versus the Phillies, though Smith resumed catching duties by the NLCS.
New Role in Cincinnati
With Rortvedt now in Cincinnati, they add depth to a position group that includes Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino. Both have their strengths and weaknesses—Stephenson is a strong hitter but an average defender, while Trevino has excelled defensively but struggled at the plate. Rortvedt’s defensive skills give the Reds flexibility, potentially allowing Stephenson to see time at first base or enabling the team to explore trade or roster options.
Dodgers’ Catcher Future
The Dodgers, meanwhile, are expected to rely on Will Smith and top prospect Dalton Rushing as their primary catchers in 2026. Rushing hit .204 with four home runs in a 53-game cameo in 2025 and figures to inherit the backup role left vacant by Rortvedt. While Rortvedt’s departure marks the exit of an experienced hand from the roster, LA remains well-positioned behind the plate as they look to defend their championship.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s YouTube Channel