Miracle Man Moves On: Reds Claim Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers, Solidifying Dodgers’ Catching Plan.vc
The improbable, yet successful, two-month tenure of catcher Ben Rortvedt with the Los Angeles Dodgers has come to an end, as the Cincinnati Reds quietly claimed him off waivers. This “silent DFA” move clears up a 40-man roster spot for the Dodgers, but more importantly, confirms the organization’s immediate plans for their top catching prospect, Dalton Rushing.
The Main Character’s Miracle Run
Ben Rortvedt (the main character in this unexpected trade saga) arrived in Los Angeles at the trade deadline in July 2025 as an afterthought—a career backup known for defense and almost nothing else on offense.
- The Rise: When Will Smith fractured his hand and Dalton Rushing was injured shortly after, Rortvedt was thrust into the starting role. He quickly became an “unsung hero,” earning the trust of the Dodgers’ elite pitching staff.
- He notably caught Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near-no-hitter and Tyler Glasnow’s seven no-hit innings.
- During his time as a primary catcher, the Dodgers’ starting rotation posted a phenomenal 1.00 ERA in August.
- The Exit: The Dodgers designated him for assignment (DFA) without public announcement, likely because he is out of minor-league options and facing arbitration (projected for a $1.3 million salary), which necessitated the 40-man roster space. The Reds, who were involved in the original three-team trade that brought him to LA, claimed him on November 12, 2025.
What This Means for the Dodgers and Dalton Rushing
Rortvedt’s departure solidifies the catching depth chart for the Dodgers heading into 2026 and directly impacts the immediate future of prospect Dalton Rushing:
| Role | Player | Outlook |
| Starter | Will Smith | Locked in for years; remains the elite starting catcher and offensive force. |
| Backup/2nd Catcher | Dalton Rushing | The DFA of Rortvedt confirms the Dodgers plan to keep their former No. 1 prospect on the 40-man roster and utilize him as the primary backup catcher in 2026. |
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The move suggests the Dodgers are committed to developing Rushing at the Major League level, even if his playing time remains limited behind the iron-clad consistency of Will Smith. Rushing is blocked at catcher, but the Dodgers value his bat enough to keep him on the roster, giving him occasional starts at catcher, first base, and potentially designated hitter.
For Rortvedt, the move to the Reds is a huge opportunity, as he is likely to receive far more playing time, potentially challenging Jose Trevino or moving into a platoon role, especially given his strong defensive reputation.
The Dodgers’ focus is now on how to maximize Dalton Rushing’s development and find a reliable utility infielder after trading so many prospects. Would you like to check the latest news regarding the Dodgers’ pursuit of free agent utility player Enrique “Kiké” Hernández?
