Reds Claim Dodgers Catcher Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers Today

BREAKING: The Cincinnati Reds have officially claimed backup catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers today, just days after he celebrated a World Series victory with the team. This unexpected move is sending shockwaves through the baseball community as teams finalize their rosters in the off-season.

Rortvedt, a left-handed hitter, struggled at the plate this season, finishing with a batting average of just .152, accompanied by one home run and 10 RBIs in 44 games split between the Tampa Bay Rays and Dodgers. However, the Reds are banking on his defensive skills, particularly his pitch framing and game-calling abilities, which were highly valued by the Dodgers as he stepped in for injured starter Will Smith.

The 28-year-old catcher joined the Dodgers via a three-team trade on July 31. He played a role in the Dodgers’ postseason run, participating in the National League Wild Card Series against the Reds and appearing in two NL Division Series games against Philadelphia.

In a related update, former All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin has also made headlines after rejecting an outright assignment to the minors. He has opted to become a free agent following his designation for assignment by the Dodgers last week. Gonsolin, who made only seven starts this season due to elbow surgery, missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

This latest development marks a significant shift for both Rortvedt and the Reds as they look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Fans are eagerly watching how this will impact the team’s performance moving forward.

Stay tuned as more updates unfold on this developing story.