The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason — though young — has already featured one slightly surprising development. Backup catcher Ben Rortvedt is now a member of the Cincinnati Reds. Cincy added Rortvedt via waivers on November 12, after the journeyman backstop was DFA’d by the Dodgers. Barring another addition at catcher for LA, Rortvedt’s departure means that the two-time defending champs will be rolling with Dalton Rushing as Will Smith’s backup in 2026. The confusing element for Dodgers fans in all of this is that Rushing hasn’t yet demonstrated that he’s a viable MLB option - and isn't his ceiling higher than "backup catcher" anyhow?
Dodgers parting with Ben Rortvedt can only suggest one risky outcome
