Dodgers Designate World Series Champion Ben Rortvedt for Assignment for the Third Time

Ben Rortvedt knew what was coming this time. After Will Smith and Dalton Rushing returned to the major leagues, the Dodgers designated the 28-year-old catcher for assignment for the third time in his career.

Rortvedt joined Los Angeles from the Tampa Bay Rays before last year’s trade deadline and helped the Dodgers win their second consecutive championship. He received a $1.25 million contract during the offseason, but the Dodgers soon designated him for assignment. The Cincinnati Reds claimed him, then designated him again several months later. The Dodgers brought him back, only to designate him once more to clear space on the 40-man roster. The New York Mets eventually signed him.

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Honestly, it was a little hard. I was playing in the most exciting environment of my career, and then I went to a completely different environment. It was difficult, but seeing things from a different perspective made me grateful for the small parts of baseball that I had taken for granted. I also had many people around me who helped me, and that made a big difference.

Rortvedt spent this season playing 48 games for the Mets’ Triple-A team. He said the transition away from the Dodgers had been difficult after playing in what he described as the most emotionally charged environment of his career. “Honestly, it was a little hard,” he said. “I was playing in the most exciting environment of my career, and then I went to a completely different environment. It was difficult, but seeing things from a different perspective made me grateful for the small parts of baseball that I had taken for granted. I also had many people around me who helped me, and that made a big difference.”

He asked someone to mail him his championship ring, eager to receive it even though he later admitted mailing it had been risky. “When I received a ring with my name engraved on it, I had very mixed emotions,” he said.

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When I received a ring with my name engraved on it, I had very mixed emotions.

Los Angeles brought him back before the trade deadline as injuries affected its catching corps. Rortvedt said he was deeply grateful for another chance to help the Dodgers pursue a third straight title, while acknowledging the competition for roster places. “I understand the business side, and I know how intense the competition is here,” he said. “But having even a chance, even fighting from the edge of the roster, makes me feel that another team sees value in me. I know how competitive it is here, so I just want to stay, give everything I have, and prove my value.”

Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia shared catching duties while Smith and Rushing were injured, knowing one of them would likely be cut once the injured players returned. Rortvedt continued studying scouting reports and taking notes on video, saying he would accept any role the team considered suitable.

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I understand the business side, and I know how intense the competition is here. But having even a chance, even fighting from the edge of the roster, makes me feel that another team sees value in me. I know how competitive it is here, so I just want to stay, give everything I have, and prove my value.

In his final appearance before the latest designation, he started behind the plate and guided Tyler Glasnow through seven innings while allowing one run. He also singled after an unsuccessful bunt attempt. The Dodgers announced the move the following day. His locker remained in the clubhouse, but his equipment was gone and he was no longer there.

Dodgers fans often say, “Once a Dodger, always a Dodger.” Dave Roberts echoed that appreciation before the game: “He’s a great teammate. He helped us win the championship last year, and I’ll always be grateful. He’s a really good person.”

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He’s a great teammate. He helped us win the championship last year, and I’ll always be grateful. He’s a really good person.