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Dodgers Reunite with Rortvedt in Shock Deal for McDermott
Dodgers Bring Back Familiar Face: Ben Rortvedt Returns for Third Time in a Year
Important Callout: This is the third time in about one year that the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt. The move addresses an urgent need behind the plate while sending pitcher Chayce McDermott to the New York Mets.
Why Did the Dodgers Make This Trade?
The Dodgers’ catching situation has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Here’s what happened:
- Starting catcher Will Smith got injured and went on the injured list
- First backup option: Chuckie Robinson got 6 starts, but only managed 6 hits in 47 at-bats (.128 average) and was sent down to the minors
- Second backup option: Eliezer Alfonzo got 8 starts with the same poor results – .128 average and struggling defense
- Both backups graded poorly defensively with -1 Fielding Run Value each
The Dodgers needed a reliable "security blanket" behind the plate, and they turned to a familiar face.
Who Is Ben Rortvedt? (The Player Coming to LA)
His 2024 Season Stats (Triple-A Syracuse)
- Batting Average: .235
- On-Base Percentage: .319
- Slugging Percentage: .414
- Extra-Base Hits: 8 doubles + 6 home runs
- wRC+: 86 (slightly below league average, but respectable for a catcher)
- Games Played: 48 (missed time with two injured list stints in April and June)
Key Facts About Rortvedt
- Not on the 40-man roster – The Mets sent him outright to the minors in March
- This is his THIRD stint with the Dodgers in roughly 12 months
- Age: 27 years old (entering his prime)
- Position: Catcher (exactly what the Dodgers need right now)
Who Is Chayce McDermott? (The Player Going to New York)
His Time With the Dodgers
- Acquired: April 2024 from Baltimore Orioles
- MLB Appearances: 2 games
- MLB Stats: 2⅓ innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 strikeout
- Designated for Assignment: Friday (to make room for Cole Irvin on the 40-man roster)
His Triple-A Stats (Oklahoma City)
- ERA: 4.10
- Games: 27
- Innings: 26⅓
- Strikeouts: 43
- Walks: 20
- Age: 27-year-old right-handed pitcher
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Dodgers
- Immediate catching depth behind Will Smith
- Familiar player who knows the organization
- Low risk – Rortvedt wasn’t on the 40-man roster anyway
- Defensive upgrade over recent backups
For the Mets
- Add pitching depth with a 27-year-old righty
- McDermott shows strikeout ability (43 K in 26⅓ IP at Triple-A)
- Lottery ticket on a former Orioles prospect
The Bigger Picture: Dodgers’ Catching Carousel
| Catcher | Starts | Hits | At-Bats | Average | Fielding Run Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Smith | (Injured) | – | – | – | – |
| Chuckie Robinson | 6 | 6 | 47 | .128 | -1 |
| Eliezer Alfonzo | 8 | 6 | 47 | .128 | -1 |
| Ben Rortvedt | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Rortvedt’s MLB stats this season: 0 games (was in Triple-A)
Summary
The Dodgers have once again turned to Ben Rortvedt to solve their backup catcher crisis. This marks the third acquisition in one year, showing how much the organization values his presence. In exchange, the Mets receive Chayce McDermott, a 27-year-old right-hander with intriguing strikeout stuff but control issues. With Will Smith sidelined and the previous two backups combining for a .128 average and poor defense, Rortvedt represents a low-risk, familiar solution for a contending team.
FAQ
Why have the Dodgers acquired Rortvedt three times in one year?
The Dodgers clearly value Rortvedt as a reliable organizational depth piece. He knows the system, the pitchers, and the coaching staff. When catching emergencies arise, he’s their go-to "security blanket."
What is wRC+ and why does Rortvedt’s 86 matter?
wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) measures offensive production where 100 is league average. At 86, Rortvedt is 14% below average offensively, but catchers are typically weaker hitters, so this is actually decent for the position.
What does "designated for assignment" (DFA) mean?
When a player is DFA’d, they’re removed from the 40-man roster. The team has 7 days to trade them, release them, or send them to the minors (if they clear waivers). McDermott was DFA’d to make room for another pitcher.
What is Fielding Run Value?
Fielding Run Value is a Statcast metric measuring defensive performance. Negative numbers (-1 for both previous backups) indicate below-average defense. For catchers, this includes framing, blocking, and throwing.
Is Rortvedt on the 40-man roster now?
No – The article specifically notes he "isn’t on the 40-man roster, not since getting sent outright to the minors by the Mets in March." The Dodgers will need to add him if they want him in the big leagues.
