Dodgers parting with Ben Rortvedt can only suggest one risky outcome

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?

Rortvedt certainly is. He was huge for LA in September when Smith and Rushing were injured, and when Rushing was ready to return, the Dodgers stuck with Rortvedt. He hit a modest .224 in 18 games in September, but where he really shone was in the NLWC, going 3-for-6 with a double across the two games, and apparently, becoming a huge target on the Reds’ offseason radar in the process.

The Dodgers moving on from Ben Rortvedt means that they are committing to Dalton Rushing at backup catcher

Many Dodgers fans assumed that Rortvedt’s notable stint had earned him the permanent backup job in LA. His deal features three more years of club control, after all. In fact, the Dodgers had already avoided arbitration by signing him to a $1.25 million deal before launching him off the roster. This placed Rushing’s future into a realm of uncertainty. Would the Dodgers move Rushing to left field? First base? Trade him?

Now, the tables have turned, and it’s Rushing who has seemingly been handed the backup role. But it wasn’t due to any big-league production. The 24-year-old slashed .204/ .258/ .582 in 142 at-bats in 2025, and he struck out at an alarming rate. 

Rushing’s success in 35 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City (.314/ .436/ .517) didn’t translate to the majors last season, but perhaps the Dodgers feel like it’s only a matter of time before it does. Otherwise, you have to assume that they would have prioritized Rortvedt at the position over Rushing heading into 2026.

Are the Dodgers taking a calculated risk with Rushing as they look to three-peat? Do they know something positive about Rushing's ongoing development that is unknown to the rest of us? That's entirely possible. Furthermore, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes still has an entire offseason ahead of him. Another addition could be in the cards.

Los Angeles was lucky that Rortvedt proved reliable in September. With all of the mileage that Will Smith is accruing, the Dodgers need a sturdy backup who can embody that reliability now that Rortvedt is gone. If Rushing truly is the guy, that's news to everyone outside of LA's clubhouse.