Rortvedt Back to Dodgers
Dodgers Reacquire Catcher Ben Rortvedt from Mets in Exchange for Pitcher Chayce McDermott
Anonymous
Key Points
1
This marks the Dodgers' third acquisition of Ben Rortvedt in roughly a year, including a three-team deal with the Rays and Reds prior to last season and a later waiver claim by Cincinnati before Los Angeles claimed him again in February. Notably, he was not on the Mets' 40-man roster, which aided the Dodgers in executing the move more readily.
2
Chayce McDermott was designated for assignment after allowing two runs in 2 1/3 innings across two relief appearances, a move that precipitated the Dodgers' deal to bring back Rortvedt from the Mets.
3
Rortvedt is a career .190 hitter with nine home runs in 227 games across stints with the Twins, Yankees, Rays and Dodgers, underscoring that his value to L.A. rests more on defense and pitch-framing/handling than on offensive upside.
4
During the 2025 playoffs, Rortvedt served as the Dodgers’ starting catcher for the first four games, stepping in for Will Smith while he was sidelined, a notable postseason contribution that informed the club’s decision to bring him back.
5
In 2026, Rortvedt spent the season at Triple-A Syracuse, where he batted .235 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 48 games for the Mets’ affiliate, providing further context on his recent form prior to the trade.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reacquired catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets, sending right-hander Chayce McDermott to New York in return, according to MLB.com. The move marks the third time in roughly a year the Dodgers have traded for the 28-year-old backstop.
The deal fills an urgent need behind the plate. Will Smith is sidelined with neck inflammation, and top prospect Dalton Rushing is also dealing with an arm concern, per Dodgers Beat. Rortvedt gives Los Angeles a proven, familiar option with big-game experience.
Rortvedt's Winding Road Back to Los Angeles
This is Rortvedt's third stint with the Dodgers in about 12 months. Los Angeles first got him in a three-team deal involving the Rays and Reds before last season. Cincinnati later claimed him off waivers, then the Dodgers claimed him again in February, according to MLB.com.
His path back was made easier by one key detail. Rortvedt was not on the Mets' 40-man roster, which let the Dodgers complete the trade without complicated roster maneuvering, Amazin' Avenue noted. He had spent the 2026 season at Triple-A Syracuse, batting .235 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 48 games.
McDermott Designated, Then Traded to New York
Chayce McDermott's time in Los Angeles ended quickly. The right-hander allowed two runs in just 2⅓ innings across two relief appearances before the Dodgers designated him for assignment, per Freedom 96.9. That move directly opened the door for the Rortvedt deal.
McDermott now heads to the Mets as the return piece. For Los Angeles, trading a struggling reliever for a catcher they already know well is a low-risk move with clear upside given the team's current injury situation.
Defense and Familiarity Trump His Modest Bat
Rortvedt is a career .190 hitter with nine home runs across 227 games with the Twins, Yankees, Rays, and Dodgers. The Dodgers are not acquiring him for his offense. His value is behind the plate — pitch framing, game-calling, and handling a pitching staff he already knows well, according to Head Topics.
His track record with Los Angeles speaks for itself. During the 2025 playoffs, Rortvedt started the first four games at catcher while Will Smith was hurt. He helped the Dodgers win a World Series title that postseason. That kind of proven performance in high-stakes games is exactly what the club needs right now.
What Comes Next for the Dodgers' Catching Depth
Rortvedt will likely report to Triple-A to stay sharp. His path to the big league roster depends on Smith's recovery and Rushing's health. If either remains sidelined, a promotion could come quickly, per Amazin' Avenue. The Dodgers are also carrying Eliezer Alfonzo as a third catching option.
The Dodgers are building depth at a critical time. With the postseason push underway, having a catcher who already knows the staff, the signs, and the pressure of October baseball is a real advantage. Los Angeles clearly values organizational familiarity — and Rortvedt delivers exactly that.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
13
Articles
42
Reach
55
A
AnonymousAuthor