Reds Claim Catcher Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers
CINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Reds have claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team announced today, November 12, 2025. The move adds catching depth for the Reds as they navigate options behind the plate for the 2026 season.
Rortvedt,out of options adn arbitration-eligible,was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $1.3MM in 2026. The Dodgers placed him on waivers after seemingly deciding not to tender him a contract.
In 2025, Rortvedt saw limited action with the Dodgers, posting a .429/.500/.571 slash line in four games during the playoffs while Will Smith was injured. Smith ultimately returned, limiting Rortvedt’s playing time. Prior to that, Smith was hitting .224/.309/.327 while dealing with injury.
The Reds currently have Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino as their primary catching options. Trevino is signed thru 2027 with a club option for 2028, but his 2025 performance (.238/.272/.351) was below his career standards. Stephenson, a capable hitter with a .246/.325/.414 line and 99 wRC+ over the past three years, is not known for his defensive prowess. From 2020-2022,Stephenson slashed .296/.369/.454 for a 120 wRC+. He is entering his final arbitration season with a projected salary of $6.4MM.
The acquisition of rortvedt provides the Reds with adaptability. Potential scenarios include increased playing time for Stephenson at first base, exploring trade possibilities involving Stephenson or Trevino, or retaining all three catchers. The team could also tender rortvedt a contract and attempt to pass him through waivers again, though he would have the right to elect free agency and forfeit his remaining salary.
