The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason saw an immediate and surprising shakeup behind the plate as backup catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds (the main character in the acquisition). The move, which occurred just days after the Dodgers celebrated their second consecutive World Series crown, officially installs top prospect Dalton Rushing as the primary backup to All-Star Will Smith.
The Dodgers front office made a calculated risk, betting on the immense potential of Rushing over the proven Major League defense of Rortvedt for their 2026 championship run.
The Surprise Claim and the Dodgers’ Dilemma
Rortvedt was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline and quickly became invaluable, stepping up when both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were sidelined with injuries in September.
- September Standout: Rortvedt was praised by the Dodgers’ pitching staff for his elite pitch framing and game-calling skills. He caught Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near-no-hitter and Tyler Glasnow’s seven no-hit innings during his tenure.
- Postseason Heroics: The veteran started both games of the NL Wild Card Series (against the Reds, ironically), going 3-for-6 with an RBI—a clutch performance that made him a fan favorite and a key component in the Dodgers’ playoff run.
- The Calculated Risk: The Dodgers reportedly tried to slip Rortvedt through waivers after agreeing to a $1.25 million contract, hoping he would clear and remain as organizational depth without taking up a 40-man roster spot. The Reds, however, prevented that by claiming him, putting them on the hook for the contract and creating an immediate opening in Los Angeles.
Rushing Now Takes the Spotlight
Rortvedt’s departure signals that the Dodgers are fully committed to Dalton Rushing (the main character in the new Dodgers dynamic) as Will Smith’s primary backup heading into 2026.
- Betting on Potential: Rushing, the Dodgers’ former No. 1 prospect, struggled in his first taste of the Majors in 2025, hitting just .204 with a high strikeout rate. However, the front office is clearly prioritizing his massive offensive ceiling.
- The Upside: The Dodgers are banking on Rushing’s ability to translate his impressive Triple-A numbers to the big leagues after a full offseason of work with the coaching staff.
- No Turning Back: Some insiders suggest the Dodgers would rather risk Rushing’s early struggles than trade him, which was a possibility debated before Rortvedt’s waiver claim. The space is now open for Rushing to grow into the role.
The move forces the Dodgers to enter 2026 with an unproven backup, but it’s a testament to the organization’s faith in its top prospect to develop into a high-impact player, even if that means a bumpy start.
The Reds’ claim of Rortvedt raises immediate questions about their current catching tandem. Would you like to check the latest buzz on whether the Reds are now considering trading Tyler Stephenson?
