The Los Angeles Dodgers have reacquired catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets in a deadline day trade. Rortvedt, a familiar face for the team, previously served as the Dodgers' starting catcher for the first four games of the 2025 playoffs.
Last season, Rortvedt stepped in for Will Smith, who was recovering from a hand fracture. Rortvedt helped shepherd the Dodgers' pitching staff to four consecutive victories during that playoff run. The team lost Rortvedt this past winter during a roster crunch, designating him for assignment as they opted for the catching tandem of Smith and Dalton Rushing.
However, the Dodgers' need for additional catching depth has resurfaced this summer. Smith has been sidelined since early June with a neck injury and is still recovering slowly. Rushing is currently dealing with an arm/elbow issue that caused him to miss Sunday's game.
In exchange for Rortvedt, who was on the Mets' triple-A roster, the Dodgers sent pitcher Chayce McDermott, recently designated for assignment, back to New York.