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Dodgers Steal Rortvedt from Mets in Deadline Heist
Dodgers Add Familiar Face Behind the Plate: Ben Rortvedt Returns for Third Time
What Happened?
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a move to strengthen their catching position on Monday. They traded for Ben Rortvedt — a catcher who has now joined the organization three separate times in just over a year.
Important Point: This isn’t the first time the Dodgers have brought Rortvedt aboard. They also traded for him before last year’s deadline and claimed him off waivers for a few days in February.
In exchange, the Dodgers sent right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott to the New York Mets. McDermott had been designated for assignment (removed from the 40-man roster) last Friday as part of a bullpen shuffle.
Why Did the Dodgers Make This Trade?
Catching is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball. Think of it like being the quarterback of the defense — you’re involved in every single play, squatting for hours, and taking foul tips off your body.
The Dodgers needed extra protection at catcher for two big reasons:
- Will Smith (the starting catcher) has been out since early June with a lingering neck injury.
- Dalton Rushing (the backup catcher) was scratched from Sunday’s lineup with minor arm irritation.
Important Point: When your only healthy catcher gets a "minor" injury, you suddenly have zero catchers available. That’s an emergency situation in baseball.
Who Is Ben Rortvedt?
Ben Rortvedt is a journeyman catcher — that’s baseball talk for a player who has moved between several teams throughout his career. Here’s what you need to know:
- Age/Experience: 26 years old with Major League experience
- Current Status: Was playing for the Mets’ Triple-A team (Syracuse)
- Performance: Posted a .733 OPS this season in Triple-A
- Simple translation: OPS combines getting on base + hitting for power. .733 is solid for a backup catcher.
- Familiarity: Already knows the Dodgers’ pitching staff from his previous stints
The Trade Details: Step by Step
- Friday: Dodgers designate Chayce McDermott for assignment to make roster space
- Monday: Trade completed — Rortvedt comes to LA, McDermott goes to New York
- Immediate Impact: Rortvedt provides experienced depth while Smith recovers
What Does This Mean for the Team?
| Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Will Smith | Starting Catcher | Injured (neck), out since June |
| Dalton Rushing | Primary Backup | Healthy but had minor arm issue Sunday |
| Ben Rortvedt | New Depth Piece | Ready to play if needed |
The Dodgers now have a safety net — an experienced catcher who knows their pitchers and can step in immediately if Rushing needs rest or gets hurt again.
Summary
- Dodgers acquire Ben Rortvedt from Mets for Chayce McDermott
- Third time in ~1 year Dodgers have added Rortvedt
- Addresses urgent need: Catching depth while Will Smith recovers from neck injury
- Rortvedt brings: MLB experience, familiarity with pitching staff, solid Triple-A numbers (.733 OPS)
- Low-risk move: McDermott was already removed from 40-man roster
FAQ
Q: What does "designated for assignment" mean?
A: It means the team removed the 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).
Q: What is Triple-A?
A: It’s the highest level of Minor League Baseball — one step below the Major Leagues. Players here are either developing prospects or veterans waiting for a call-up.
Q: Why is catcher depth so important?
A: Catchers get beat up more than any other position. They squat 150+ times per game, get hit by foul balls, and absorb collisions at home plate. Teams always need 3+ catchers on standby.
Q: What is OPS?
A: On-base Plus Slugging. It combines two stats: how often a player reaches base (walks + hits) and how much power they have (doubles, triples, home runs). .733 is above average for a backup catcher.
Q: Will Rortvedt start games right away?
A: Probably not — he’s insurance. Rushing will likely get most starts while Smith is out, but Rortvedt gives the manager a trusted option for day games after night games, or if Rushing needs a break.
