The Los Angeles Dodgers are reacquiring Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott.
The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their catching depth on Monday by reacquiring veteran backstop Ben Rortvedt in a trade with the New York Mets. In return, Los Angeles sent right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott, who had recently been designated for assignment, to New York.
The trade reunites the Dodgers with a familiar face after Rortvedt spent time with the organization in 2025. Because he was not on the Mets' 40-man roster, Los Angeles will not need to immediately create a roster spot to complete the transaction.
The move comes as the Dodgers navigate uncertainty behind the plate. Starting catcher Will Smith continues working his way back from a neck injury, while Dalton Rushing was scratched from Sunday's lineup because of an arm issue.
Rortvedt appeared in 18 regular-season games for the Dodgers in 2025; he played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' catching depth towards the end of last season. During his stint in Los Angeles, he batted .224 with 11 hits in 49 at-bats while contributing one home run and four RBIs. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he also appeared in 26 games with the Tampa Bay Rays.
While his regular-season offensive production was modest, Rortvedt proved valuable when the Dodgers needed him most during last year's postseason. With Smith sidelined, he stepped into the starting catching role and delivered at the plate, hitting .429 with a .500 on-base percentage and a .571 slugging percentage over four playoff games.
His performance helped stabilize the position before he remained on the roster throughout the club's World Series run.
Defensively, Rortvedt provides the Dodgers with a reliable option capable of handling a pitching staff while offering major-league experience. His familiarity with the organization should also allow him to transition seamlessly if he is needed at the major-league level.
With the uncertainty of Smith this season, while he is expected to come off the Injured List towards the end of the season, questions still remain about the current catching depth and how that will play out until Smith returns. Rortvedt solves that current issue, providing some depth at that spot if needed later down the road.
For the Mets, the trade adds another arm to an organization that created significant roster flexibility following its trade deadline moves. McDermott, once regarded as a promising pitching prospect, will have an opportunity to compete for a fresh start in New York.
As the Dodgers continue managing injuries and preparing for the final months of the regular season, bringing back Rortvedt gives the club an experienced insurance policy at one of the game's most demanding positions.
