The Dodgers are bringing back a familiar face behind the plate.
On Friday, Los Angeles claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, marking a return for the backstop who spent the final stretch of the 2025 season in Dodger blue. Rortvedt originally arrived in L.A. as part of a three-team deal involving the Reds and Rays at last year’s trade deadline, and while his time with the club was short, he made the most of it when it mattered most.
After the season, the Dodgers placed Rortvedt on waivers, and the Reds scooped him up in November. But his stint in Cincinnati didn’t last long. After the Reds inked All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal, they needed the roster space and Rortvedt was the odd man out once again.
Now he’s headed back to Los Angeles, though the Dodgers have a full 40-man roster, which means a corresponding move is coming to make room for the 26-year-old catcher.
Rortvedt's 2025: A Timely Call-Up and a Playoff Contributor
Rortvedt’s 2025 season was a study in staying ready and stepping up when opportunity knocks. He began his Dodgers tenure in Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he played just 17 games before the big league club found itself in a bind.
In early September, starting catcher Will Smith suffered a bone bruise in his hand, and shortly after, backup Dalton Rushing took a foul ball off the knee and landed on the injured list. Just like that, the Dodgers were down to their third-string option-and Rortvedt was up.
Thrust into the spotlight during a critical stretch of the season, Rortvedt handled the pressure with poise. He played in most of the Dodgers’ final 18 regular-season games, holding his own at the plate with a .224 batting average and a .636 OPS. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but given the circumstances, he gave the Dodgers exactly what they needed: a steady presence behind the plate and a professional approach at the dish.
And when the calendar turned to October, Rortvedt didn’t shy away from the moment. He made four postseason appearances, stepping to the plate seven times and delivering a .429 batting average and a 1.071 OPS, along with an RBI. For a player who was on the outside looking in just weeks earlier, it was a strong showing that likely left a lasting impression on the Dodgers’ front office.
A Return That Feels Right
Rortvedt clearly felt a connection in Los Angeles, even after his brief stint came to an end. After the Reds claimed him in November, he reflected on his time with the Dodgers, saying, “It was tough when I came in but I really appreciate the support. 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.”
That kind of chemistry matters-especially in a clubhouse with championship aspirations. Rortvedt’s return gives the Dodgers another experienced option at catcher, and while the depth chart still runs through Will Smith and the promising Dalton Rushing, having a battle-tested backup who’s already familiar with the pitching staff could prove valuable over the course of a long season.
The Dodgers will need to clear a roster spot to make it official, but with Rortvedt back in the mix, they’ve added a player who’s already shown he can step in and contribute when the lights are brightest. Whether he ends up in Triple-A to start the year or breaks camp with the big league club, don’t be surprised if Rortvedt finds his way into meaningful innings again in 2026.