Ben Rortvedt elects free agency after stint with Dodgers

Catcher Ben Rortvedt has elected minor league free agency following the conclusion of the 2026 season. The decision follows Rortvedt being outrighted off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster in September.

Rortvedt’s recent tenure with the Dodgers included a trade deadline acquisition this year to provide depth following injuries to Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. He appeared in 16 games for Los Angeles during the season. His path back to the organization was circuitous, involving stints with the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets after being designated for assignment by the Dodgers in the 2025 offseason.

A World Series winner with the 2025 Dodgers, the 29-year-old journeyman catcher is expected to seek a minor league contract to compete for a backup role during Spring Training.