Cincinnati — Ben Rortvedt, the young catcher who played a key role for the Dodgers in the late 2025 season, was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds via waiver, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
Rortvedt started the season with the Tampa Bay Rays and played mostly in Triple-A, but was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. When Smith and Rushing, the Dodgers’ two primary catchers, were injured, Rortvedt was called up to the majors and given a chance to shine. In September, he recorded three hits in seven appearances at the World Series, becoming an integral part of the backup lineup.
With the primary catchers returning, Rortvedt’s position became precarious. The Reds decided to claim him via waiver, opening a new chapter for the player.
Shortly after the announcement of his selection, Rortvedt posted an emotional message to Dodgers fans:
“I really appreciate your support. When I arrived, things were extremely difficult, but the feeling of doing my job, being myself and receiving love from the audience is precious.”
Despite leaving the team, Rortvedt takes with him the title of World Series champion, a title that is not easy to achieve in an MLB career. With the Reds, he will look to continue his development and conquer the starting position or at least make a stronger impression in the team’s system.
For the Dodgers, letting Rortvedt go could be the result of “personnel overload” at the catcher position in a system that has the ability to recover strongly after an injury-filled season but also contains many strategic changes.
Still, Rortvedt’s message shows loyalty, humility and appreciation for fans – qualities not everyone maintains on the football field.
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