Attention baseball fans! The Dodgers have made a move that's sure to spark some debate. The team has claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt, a move that raises some intriguing questions about their catching depth and roster management.
Let's dive into this story and uncover the details. The Cincinnati Reds designated Rortvedt for assignment after signing Eugenio Suárez, and the Dodgers saw an opportunity. They've claimed him off waivers, but here's where it gets controversial: the Dodgers already have a full 40-man roster, so they'll need to make room for Rortvedt.
The Dodgers have shown an interest in Rortvedt as a depth catcher. Last year, they acquired him at the trade deadline, and he stepped up when Will Smith was injured. They even avoided arbitration with him, agreeing to a $1.25MM salary for 2026. It seems they value his skills and versatility.
However, their initial plan was to sneak him through waivers, hoping other clubs would pass due to his salary. They attempted a similar move with infielder Andy Ibáñez, but both attempts failed. The Reds claimed Rortvedt in November, and now the Dodgers are giving it another shot.
Currently, Rortvedt appears to be the clear #3 catcher behind Smith and Dalton Rushing. The Dodgers could send Rushing to the minors, but they believe he has proven himself and is ready for the big leagues. This decision could be a sign of their confidence in Rortvedt's abilities.
But here's the catch (pun intended!): Rortvedt is out of options, which means he could find himself back on the waiver wire in the future. If he's not on the active roster, the Dodgers will need to make a tough choice and open up a spot on their 40-man roster.
Rortvedt's performance has been a rollercoaster. In 2024 with the Rays, he posted decent numbers for a part-time catcher, with a .228/.317/.303 line and a wRC+ of 87, indicating he was slightly below league average. FanGraphs even credited him with 1.4 wins above replacement for his defensive contributions.
However, things took a turn in 2025. His batting average dipped to .095/.186/.111, and he was outrighted to the minors. He then joined the Dodgers and filled in for Smith, but his production remained similar to his 2024 numbers. Teams see his value as a depth catcher, but the question remains: can he hold onto a roster spot?
Time will reveal the outcome of this move. For now, Rortvedt is back with the champions, and his future with the Dodgers is an intriguing storyline. Will he prove his worth and secure a permanent spot, or will he continue to be a depth option? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts, baseball enthusiasts? Do you think Rortvedt has what it takes to stick with the Dodgers, or is he destined to be a waiver wire journeyman? Share your insights and predictions in the comments below!
