Did you see the surprise move? Catcher Ben Rortvedt has elected minor‑league free agency, as shown on his MLB.com profile. After being outrighted off the Dodgers’ 40‑man roster in September, his three‑plus years of service made him eligible.
In my view, the Dodgers’ revolving door with Rortvedt reflects a short‑term fix rather than a long‑term plan. Rortvedt earned a World Series ring from his 18 regular‑season and four playoff games with the 2025 Dodgers. A whirlwind of waiver claims sent him from Los Angeles to Cincinnati in November, back to the Dodgers in early February, then to New York in mid‑February. The Mets designated him for assignment before Opening Day, and he accepted an outright to Triple‑A, where he stayed until L.A. reclaimed him at the trade deadline.
Injuries to Will Smith and Dalton Rushing forced L.A. to add Rortvedt and former Dodger Hunter Feduccia at the deadline, shoring up catching depth. Rortvedt logged 16 games in August, posting a memorable .185/.185/.185 slash line over 28 plate appearances.
Across 243 games and 661 plate appearances with the Twins, Yankees, Rays and Dodgers, he has compiled a .189/.275/.266 line with nine homers. At 29, the journeyman will likely ink a minor‑league deal and report to spring training, though a Triple‑A depth role seems more probable. With the Dodgers clearly valuing his versatility, could we see him back in a Dodgers uniform next season?