The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, creating an interesting situation for backup catcher Dalton Rushing.
Rortvedt joined the Dodgers at the 2025 trade deadline, and stepped into a big role with a month remaining in the regular season. Rushing and everyday catcher Will Smith went down injured, leaving Rortvedt to step up, and he did just that.
The catcher played 18 games to end the regular season, and even worked in four postseason appearances.
Rortvedt doesn’t have any minor league options remaining, and is owed $1.25 million next year — meaning the Dodgers must either keep him at the MLB level or risk losing him by designating him for assignment.
The Dodgers now have three catchers on their 40-man roster, and designated Rortvedt for assignment to avoid this very situation earlier in the offseason. The current state of the Dodgers roster brings plenty of possibilities for the upcoming season.
What Can the Dodgers Do With Dalton Rushing?
With three catchers on their roster now, the most logical play for the Dodgers would be to start Rushing in the minor leagues next season.
While the catcher is a promising prospect and can also fill in at first base and in left field, he struggled to produce offensively due to limited playing time last season, and would develop better if he got more time on the field.
In 2025, Rushing batted just about the Mendoza Line and had a .582 OPS through 53 games last season. He also hit four home runs and had 24 RBIs during that stretch. Increased game time and a chance to rediscover his rhythm could be beneficial for the former No. 1 prospect’s growth.
The other solution is keeping him strictly as a backup for a few positions due to his versatility. On top of catcher — which Rortvedt would likely take over — he has played first base and left field in the minors, and has played serviceable defense at both positions.
The position is far from decided, though, as Rortvedt and Rushing will both be eager to prove they can take the spot behind Smith for the 2026 season.
Which of the two do you want to see more next year?
