Dodgers Bring Back Catcher Ben Rortvedt in Trade with Mets

What Just Happened?

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a trade on Monday to bring back catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets. In exchange, the Dodgers sent right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott to the Mets.

Important Point: This is a "minor league trade," meaning both players were currently playing in the minor leagues (the development leagues below the majors), not on the active big-league roster.

Who Is Ben Rortvedt?

Think of Rortvedt as a backup catcher—the player who steps in when the starting catcher needs a rest or gets hurt.

• Previous stint with Dodgers: He finished the 2025 season with Los Angeles and even earned a World Series ring!
• Journey to the Mets: In February 2026, the Mets claimed him off "waivers" (a process where teams can pick up players other teams are trying to remove from their roster). Shortly before Opening Day, the Mets "outrighted" him (sent him to the minors without other teams being able to claim him).
• 2026 Season so far: He’s been playing for the Syracuse Mets (the Mets’ Triple-A team, which is the highest level of the minors). In 48 games, he hit .233/.317/.411 with 6 home runs and 2 stolen bases.

ELI5 – Baseball Terms:

• Triple-A (AAA): The last step before the Major Leagues. Players here are either developing or waiting for a call-up.
• Slash Line (.233/.317/.411): Three key stats: Batting Average / On-Base Percentage / Slugging Percentage.
• Waivers / Outrighted: Administrative moves teams use to shuffle players between the majors and minors.

Why Did the Dodgers Make This Move?

The Dodgers have a catcher emergency right now. Here is the current situation:

1. Will Smith (the starting All-Star catcher) is on the Injured List (IL) with a neck issue.
2. Dalton Rushing (the primary backup) is also on the IL with an arm injury.
3. Eliezer Alfonzo is the only healthy catcher currently on the active roster.

The Logic:

• Insurance Policy: If Alfonzo gets hurt or needs a day off, the Dodgers have zero other catchers ready.
• Familiar Face: Rortvedt already knows the pitchers, the coaches, and the stadium from 2025.
• Quick Call-Up: Because he is already on the 40-man roster (or can be added easily), he can join the big-league team very fast—likely within a day or two.

What Happens Next? (Numbered Steps)

1. Rortvedt travels to join the Dodgers (likely at their current road series or next homestand).
2. Dodgers add him to the 26-man active roster (this requires a corresponding move, like placing another player on the IL).
3. He suits up as the backup catcher behind Eliezer Alfonzo.
4. Chayce McDermott reports to the Mets’ Triple-A team (Syracuse) to continue his development as a pitcher.

Important Point: This trade is about depth and emergency coverage, not a blockbuster move for a superstar. It solves an immediate "we have no catchers" problem.

Summary

The Dodgers traded a minor-league pitcher (Chayce McDermott) to the Mets to re-acquire catcher Ben Rortvedt. Rortvedt was with the Dodgers last year and won a World Series. With both starting catcher Will Smith and backup Dalton Rushing injured, the Dodgers had only one healthy catcher (Eliezer Alfonzo). Rortvedt provides immediate, familiar insurance behind the plate and can be called up to the majors almost instantly.

FAQ

1. Who is Chayce McDermott?

He is a right-handed pitching prospect (a young player developing in the minors) who was in the Dodgers’ farm system. The Mets acquired him to add pitching depth to their organization.

2. What does "Designated for Assignment" or "Outrighted" mean?

When a team wants to remove a player from their 40-man roster, they place them on waivers. If no other team claims them, the player is outrighted to the minors. The Mets did this to Rortvedt in Spring Training 2026, sending him to Triple-A Syracuse.

3. Why didn’t the Dodgers just keep Rortvedt last year?

Roster spots are limited. Teams often have to make tough choices to protect other players. The Mets grabbed him when the Dodgers tried to send him to the minors. Now, the Dodgers traded to get him back because they desperately need a catcher right now.

4. Will Rortvedt start over Eliezer Alfonzo?

Probably not. Alfonzo is currently the only healthy option, so he will likely start most games. Rortvedt is there to back him up—catching day games after night games, giving Alfonzo rest, or playing if Alfonzo gets hurt.

5. Is this trade a big deal for the playoff race?

It’s a small move with big immediate importance. It doesn’t change the lineup’s star power, but it prevents a disaster scenario where the Dodgers have no one to catch the ball if Alfonzo gets injured during a game.