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Dodgers Strike Again Post-Skubal; Mets Return Bombshell Looms
Dodgers Make Another Trade Before Deadline: Catcher Ben Rortvedt Returns for Third Stint
What Happened?
While everyone was talking about the blockbuster Tarik Skubal trade, the Los Angeles Dodgers quietly made another move before the Monday 6 p.m. ET trade deadline.
Reported by: Jon Heyman (New York Post & MLB Network)
The Deal:
- Dodgers get: Catcher Ben Rortvedt (from New York Mets)
- Mets get: Right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott (from Dodgers)
Who Is Ben Rortvedt?
Think of a catcher like the quarterback of baseball defense—they call pitches, frame strikes, and control the running game. Here’s what you need to know about Rortvedt:
- Position: Catcher
- Bats/Throws: Left/Right
- Age: 26 (as of 2025)
- MLB Experience: Parts of 3 seasons (debuted 2021 with Twins)
- Special Skill: Strong defensive reputation, good pitch-framing
ELI5: What’s "pitch framing"?
It’s when a catcher subtly moves their glove to make borderline pitches look like strikes to the umpire. Good framers "steal" strikes for their pitchers!
The Journey: Rortvedt’s Rollercoaster Year
This is Rortvedt’s THIRD stint with the Dodgers since July 2025. Here’s the wild timeline:
- July 2024 — Acquired from Tampa Bay Rays before trade deadline
- October 2024 — Wins World Series title with Dodgers!
- November 2024 — Dodgers waive him (remove from 40-man roster)
- November 2024 — Claimed by Cincinnati Reds
- March 2025 — Reds designate him for assignment (DFA) after signing Eugenio Suárez
- March 2025 — Dodgers claim him off waivers (Stint #2)
- July 2025 — Traded to New York Mets (details unclear)
- NOW — Traded BACK to Dodgers from Mets (Stint #3!)
Important Points
- Waivers: A process where teams can claim players removed from another team’s roster
- Designated for Assignment (DFA): Team removes player from 40-man roster; has 7 days to trade, release, or send to minors
- Claiming off waivers: Team takes player AND their existing contract
What the Dodgers Give Up: Chayce McDermott
- Position: Right-handed Pitcher (RHP)
- Status: Minor league prospect
- Acquired by Dodgers: Originally from Baltimore Orioles (2023 trade for Kiké Hernández)
- 2025 Season: Pitching in Double-A (second-highest minor league level)
- Profile: Strikeout-oriented starter with mid-90s fastball
Why trade a prospect for a backup catcher?
Contending teams often trade "lottery ticket" prospects for certainty and depth. The Dodgers have plenty of pitching prospects but needed an experienced catcher they already trust.
Why This Matters for the Dodgers
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Familiarity | Rortvedt knows the pitchers, coaches, and system |
| Defensive Depth | Insurance behind Will Smith (All-Star catcher) |
| Postseason Ready | Already won a ring with this team |
| Low Risk | Only cost a mid-tier pitching prospect |
| Clubhouse Fit | Popular teammate, knows the culture |
Summary
The Dodgers added catching depth before the trade deadline by re-acquiring Ben Rortvedt from the Mets for pitching prospect Chayce McDermott. This marks Rortvedt’s third stint with LA in one year—a journey that included a World Series title, waivers, a DFA, and multiple claims. The move gives LA a trusted, defensively skilled backup catcher who already knows the staff, costing only a minor league arm from their deep pitching system.
FAQ
1. What is the MLB trade deadline?
It’s the last day teams can trade players without them passing through waivers. After this date, trades are much harder. This year it was Monday at 6 p.m. ET.
2. Why did the Dodgers trade for the same catcher three times?
They value his defense and familiarity with their pitchers. Each time he left, it was due to roster crunches (too many players, not enough spots), not performance. They kept bringing him back because he fits their system.
3. Who is Chayce McDermott and why did the Mets want him?
A 23-year-old righty prospect with good strikeout rates. The Mets are rebuilding their farm system and saw value in a young pitcher with upside, even if he’s not a top-100 prospect.
4. What does "designated for assignment" (DFA) mean?
A team removes a player from their 40-man roster. They have 7 days to trade him, release him, or send him to the minors (if he clears waivers). It’s basically "we need this roster spot now."
5. Will Rortvedt be on the playoff roster?
Likely yes, as the backup catcher. Will Smith is the starter, but teams carry 2 catchers in October. Rortvedt’s experience and relationship with the pitching staff make him the logical choice.
Article based on reporting by Jon Heyman (New York Post/MLB Network). Additional details may emerge as the trade is finalized.
