Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their reserve catcher, Ben Rortvedt, to the Cincinnati Reds. Tony Gonsolin is a free agent.

At the trading deadline, the Dodgers acquired Rortvedt from the Tampa Bay Rays. Most Dodger pundits ignored this acquisition since Will Smith was the primary Dodgers’ catcher and Dalton Rushing was their backup.

In September, Smith suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand. He couldn’t play through the stretch run. Rushing is still learning how to catch on the major-league level. The Dodgers used Rortvedt at catcher. He was excellent at handling the veteran Dodger pitching staff.

The Dodgers couldn’t keep Rortvedt since their forty-man roster is full. However, the Dodgers should have kept Rortvedt since they don’t know if Rushing can develop into a major-league catcher. The Dodgers didn’t have a choice but to let Rortvedt go.

Gonsolin elected to be an unrestricted free agent. This is a good move for both Gonsolin and the Dodgers.

Next week, Tommy Edman will have ankle surgery. Since he has been a Dodger, his ankle has bothered him. At the beginning of the 2025 season, the Dodgers envisioned Edman as their center fielder, but his ankle prevented him from playing center field, hurting the Dodgers’ outfield defense. The Dodgers expect Edman will be ready for spring training.