A familiar name has suddenly reappeared on the market — and Dodgers fans are asking the same question.
Could Los Angeles bring back the catcher who quietly saved them last season?
Dodgers Reunion Rumors Heat Up After Reds DFA Former LA Catcher Ben Rortvedt
LOS ANGELES — Sometimes the most valuable players aren’t the stars dominating highlight reels. Sometimes they’re the quiet insurance policies that keep a contender from collapsing when injuries strike.
And that’s exactly why Ben Rortvedt’s sudden availability is starting to attract attention around the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cincinnati Reds designated Rortvedt for assignment Tuesday to clear roster space after bringing back veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez on a one-year deal. The move instantly placed the former Dodgers catcher back on the open market — and potentially back on the radar in Los Angeles.
For Dodgers fans who remember last season, the development feels like an opportunity waiting to happen.
The Catcher Who Quietly Stabilized the Dodgers
Rortvedt may not be a household name, but his brief time in Los Angeles during the 2025 season made a stronger impression than many expected.
Shortly after arriving, he quickly built chemistry with the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
In fact, two of the most memorable pitching performances of the season came with Rortvedt behind the plate.
He caught Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s near no-hitter, then followed that by guiding Tyler Glasnow through seven hitless innings in another dominant outing.
For a backup catcher, those moments mattered.
They demonstrated something the Dodgers value heavily: trust between pitcher and catcher.
The Postseason Surprise
Rortvedt’s steady presence earned him more respect inside the organization than many fans realized.
When October arrived, the Dodgers made a decision that caught some observers off guard. Instead of promoting top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, the team placed Rortvedt on the postseason roster.
He ultimately appeared in four playoff games, spanning the Wild Card round into the NLDS.
For a player who arrived with little fanfare, it was a clear signal that the coaching staff trusted him in high-pressure situations.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Despite that postseason vote of confidence, the Dodgers made a different long-term decision.
Rather than keep Rortvedt as the clear backup behind Will Smith, the organization chose to prioritize the development of Dalton Rushing, once considered the team’s top prospect.
The Dodgers remain committed to finding Rushing regular at-bats in 2026, hoping he can develop into a long-term offensive force behind the plate.
That commitment left Rortvedt expendable.
In November, the Dodgers quietly placed him on waivers, and the Cincinnati Reds claimed him.
Now, just months later, he’s available again.
A Second Chance?
The Reds’ roster crunch has reopened the door for what could become a convenient reunion.
If Rortvedt clears waivers and is sent outright to the minors, he could reject a Triple-A assignment and elect free agency. That scenario would allow any team — including the Dodgers — to pursue him.
For Los Angeles, the logic is simple.
The team currently lacks proven catching depth behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.
Last season proved just how dangerous that can be.
When injuries struck both Smith and Rushing at different points, the Dodgers had to scramble for options, eventually bringing back Chuckie Robinson, who has far less major league experience than Rortvedt.
The Perfect Insurance Policy
Rortvedt doesn’t need to be a star to be valuable in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers already have star power throughout their lineup.
What they need is stability.
A catcher who understands the pitching staff. Someone capable of stepping into the lineup during emergencies without disrupting the clubhouse rhythm.
And Rortvedt has already proven he can do exactly that.
What Happens Next?
There are multiple paths for the Dodgers if they decide to pursue the reunion.
They could wait and attempt to sign Rortvedt to a minor-league deal if he reaches free agency.
Or they could move quickly and attempt a small cash trade with Cincinnati before another team claims him.
Either way, the window could close quickly.
Backup catchers with major-league experience rarely stay available long.
And for a team chasing championships, the difference between panic and preparedness often comes down to depth.
If the Dodgers want that safety net again, they already know exactly where to find it.
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