The Cincinnati Reds have officially acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt, who was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move comes as a surprise, as Rortvedt had not been previously announced as designated for assignment. The transaction leaves the Dodgers with 39 players on their 40-man roster, while the Reds increase theirs to 38.
Career Overview of Ben Rortvedt
At 28 years old, Ben Rortvedt has had a varied career in Major League Baseball. He has played a total of 227 games across four teams: the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. During this time, Rortvedt has earned a reputation for his defensive skills, although his offensive stats tell a different story.
- Batting Statistics: Rortvedt holds a career batting line of .190/.279/.270 through 633 plate appearances.
- Defensive Contributions: His solid glovework has made him a valuable asset behind the plate.
Recent Performance and Future Projections
In the 2024 season, Rortvedt posted a batting line of .228/.317/.303 while playing for the Rays. Though this performance is considered below average, it was not detrimental for a catcher, who typically underperforms relative to other positions. His offensive contribution, combined with his defensive skills, earned him an impressive 1.4 wins above replacement (WAR) for that year.
However, Rortvedt struggled in the 2025 season, beginning the year with a disappointing .095/.186/.111 line. By early June, he was sent down to the minors, later being traded to the Dodgers as part of a three-team deal involving Zack Littell.
Performance with the Dodgers
Upon joining the Dodgers, Rortvedt was called up when starting catcher Will Smith was injured. He ended the regular season with a more respectable .224/.309/.327. During the playoffs, he had a brief surge, posting a remarkable .429/.500/.571 line in four games. Despite this, he did not see action in the NLCS or World Series.
Last Recruitment Details
Entering the 2026 season, Rortvedt is facing a critical juncture in his career. He is out of minor league options and eligible for arbitration, with projections suggesting a salary of approximately $1.3 million. The decision to place him on waivers indicates that the Dodgers were unlikely to extend a contract offer. The Reds now have an opportunity to integrate him into their roster and capitalize on his defensive capabilities while hoping for improved offensive production.
Stay tuned for further updates on Ben Rortvedt’s journey with the Cincinnati Reds on El-Balad.
