The Mets just claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers. To make space on the 40-man roster, New York moved right-hander Dedniel Nunez to the 60-day injured list.
Rortvedt’s journey—from multiple organizations to possibly backing up Francisco Álvarez and Luis Torrens—gives the Mets a defensive-minded catcher with a little offensive upside. They’re hoping for more reliability and versatility behind the plate.
What Ben Rortvedt Brings to the Mets
Rortvedt lands in New York after bouncing around MLB, making his debut with the Twins in 2021 and spending time with the Yankees, Rays, and Dodgers. His best offensive year came with the Rays in 2024, when he hit about .228/.317/.303 over 112 games, putting up a 1.4 fWAR and an 87 wRC+.
He’s not a big bat, but he’s got enough plate discipline and contact skills to help out a catcher-heavy roster. Defensively, Rortvedt stands out for his blocking and pitch framing, especially on the edges of the zone.
His caught-stealing numbers are below average, but he’s still a solid backup who can handle a pitching staff and step in when needed.
Defensive profile and catching toolkit
- Blocking and framing: Rortvedt shows strong receiving skills and good instincts for framing, which helps keep opponent runs down.
- Defensive versatility: He’s been a reliable late-season backup, ready to step in for back-to-backs or give the starter a break.
- Defensive ceiling: His caught-stealing rate isn’t great, but his overall defense is still a real asset for a staff that leans on strike-throwing and pitch framing.
Offensive profile and durability
- Offensive peek: That 2024 season with the Rays was his best, showing a patient approach and some gap power.
- Line drive approach: He tends to hit line drives and isn’t afraid to go for the gaps, which gives him a bit of upside in a deeper lineup.
- Durability: Playing 112 games in a season, Rortvedt has shown he can handle a pretty heavy catching workload if needed.
Roster Implications and Spring Training
The Mets don’t have minor-league options left for Rortvedt. They’ll have to carry three catchers or risk losing someone if the roster gets tight.
He’ll head to Spring Training as the likely third catcher, sitting behind Álvarez and Torrens, and probably pushing Hayden Senger down the depth chart. His arrival gives the Mets more flexibility, letting Álvarez develop while Torrens takes on regular duties and Rortvedt fills in when needed.
Depth chart considerations
- Álvarez is still the main guy at catcher and should get most of the starts.
- Torrens brings veteran stability and helps guide the younger pitchers.
- Rortvedt comes in as a credible third catcher, focused on defense but with enough offense to stick if injuries or slumps hit.
- Hayden Senger stays in the mix as depth, but Rortvedt’s addition could change his path with the team.
Career Path and Context
Rortvedt’s had a postseason-rich life for a backup catcher, even grabbing a World Series ring with the Dodgers after joining them late in their title run. He also re-signed with the Dodgers on a modest deal and bounced through waivers, including a stop with the Reds, before landing with the Mets.
He’s built a reputation as an adaptable, experienced clubhouse presence and a steady defensive contributor. For the Mets, adding Rortvedt feels like a smart, low-risk move for their catching depth.
If he shines in Spring Training, he could deliver immediate value as a reliable third catcher—ready to step in for Álvarez or Torrens and help the pitching staff with his framing and blocking, especially when it counts.
Outlook
As the Mets get ready for camp, everyone’s watching how Rortvedt fits in with Álvarez and Torrens. There’s some curiosity about how the club will juggle its 40-man roster, too.
The move shows the Mets want depth, sure, but they’re clearly betting on solid defense behind the plate. They’re also hoping for enough offense to keep things interesting in a tough NL East.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets Claim Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers From Dodgers
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