Dodgers Sign Ben Rortvedt to Million-Dollar Contract, Trade Him Hours Later
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed catcher Ben Rortvedt to a reported $1.8 million contract on Thursday,only to trade him to the Milwaukee Brewers hours later. The quick succession of moves leaves the Dodgers with a void at the backup catcher position and the Brewers bolstering their depth behind the plate.
Rortvedt, 26, spent parts of the 2023 season with the Dodgers, primarily filling in during Will Smith’s absence due to injury. While his offensive numbers were modest – batting .152 with three doubles and a home run in 44 regular season games - he earned the trust of the coaching staff with his defensive capabilities. He also contributed in the postseason, hitting .429 in four games. The signing signaled an intent to retain that depth, but the emergence of other opportunities prompted a swift change in plans.
The Dodgers’ decision to trade rortvedt appears to be linked to a desire to clear roster space and potentially acquire a different player to address other team needs. Details of the return from Milwaukee were not instantly disclosed.
Despite limited offensive production in the regular season, Rortvedt recorded 17 hits and drove in 10 runs for the Dodgers. His postseason performance included three hits, a double, and two runs scored, contributing to the team’s World Series championship run.
The Brewers, meanwhile, gain a defensively-minded catcher with experience in a winning habitat.
