UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Reds have claimed backup catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers just days after he celebrated a World Series victory. This move, announced on October 25, 2023, highlights the Reds’ intent to bolster their roster immediately.
Rortvedt, a left-handed batter, struggled this season with a batting average of just .152, hitting one home run and driving in 10 RBI over 44 games split between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Dodgers. Despite his offensive challenges, the Dodgers valued Rortvedt for his exceptional pitch framing and game-calling skills, especially while stepping in for injured starter Will Smith.
The 28-year-old catcher joined the Dodgers in a three-team trade on July 31, and made notable playoff appearances, including in the National League Wild Card Series against the Reds and two games in the NL Division Series against Philadelphia.
In related news, former All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin has opted to become a free agent after rejecting an outright assignment to the minors following his designation for assignment last week. Gonsolin, 31, faced a challenging season, making only seven starts before undergoing elbow surgery, which abruptly ended his 2023 season.
As the Reds prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Rortvedt could provide them with valuable depth behind the plate, especially as they look to build on their recent performances. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this transaction impacts both teams moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
