28-Year-Old Presents Case for Dodgers Backup Catcher Role Next Season

It is obvious who the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting catcher is: three-time all-star Will Smith, whom they signed to a ten-year extension in 2024. The question lies in who will be trusted with the keys to the Dodgers' pitching staff when Smith needs a day off or hits the injured list. Things can change in the blink of an eye. However, the Dodgers might have found their answer in Ben Rortvedt.

Rortvedt is somewhat of a journeyman. He has logged parts of four seasons with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. After starting the season with the Rays, he was sent outright to Triple-A after 26 games, with only six hits in 63 at-bats and six runs batted in. Then, his luck seemed to change a bit. 

In a three-team trade between the Rays, Reds, and Dodgers at the deadline, Rortvedt was shipped to the Dodgers along with pitchers Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski. The move flew under the radar at the time, but it eventually turned out beneficial for both Rortvert and the Dodgers. He was assigned to Triple-A again after the trade and waited for his chance. A change of scenery was just what he needed. 

Back in mid-May, the Dodgers called up rookie Dalton Rushing to serve as Smith’s backup. There was hope that the pride of the Louisville Cardinals catching, Smith, and Rushing, would stick long term. However, Rushing’s performance was subpar, squeaking by the Mendoza Line with a .204 batting average, four home runs, and 24 runs batted in through 53 games in the regular season. Another change seemed to be on the horizon. 

When both Smith and Rushing went down with injuries in September, Rortvedt swooped in and took advantage of the opportunity. He changed his fortunes around by gaining trust from the Dodgers' pitching staff as well as maintaining a .224 average and four runs batted in through a sample size of 49 at-bats. Rortvedt did not stop there and has also shown up in the postseason despite limited playing time, picking up three hits in seven at-bats and a run batted in. In contrast, Rushing only had one at-bat in the postseason and struck out. 

The Dodgers certainly have a way of giving second chances to players. Max Muncy might be the best example. It could be the environment or the change in pressure to succeed under the spotlight. Whatever it is, it seems to work, and Rortvedt is simply the latest success story.