Dodgers free agent catcher could give Reds a timely replacement for Tyler Stephenson

The Cincinnati Reds should make an effort to keep Tyler Stephenson around, especially given a weak free-agent class at the position. But the Reds really only needs a catcher who can hold down the fort for one year until top prospect Alfredo Duno is ready for the big leagues.

A new name has hit the market, and it's one Reds fans already know. Ben Rortvedt elected free agency, effectively ending his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being designated him for assignment back in September. He certainly can't replace what Stephenson brings to the table as a hitter, but he's a familiar face who could keep the pitching staff humming while everyone waits for Duno.

Ben Rortvedt could add depth, but the Reds can aim higher behind the plate

As a reminder, Rortvedt spent practically all of last offseason with the Reds, eventually winding up back with the Dodgers just before spring training after Cincy cleared a roster spot for Eugenio Suárez. Clearly, they like what he brings to the table as a defense-first catcher, even if he'd be a little superfluous alongside backup Jose Trevino.

In limited MLB action with the Dodgers this year, he posted an ugly .370 OPS, which is worse than his career mark (.541), though not by much. He's simply just unreliable at the plate, striking out and whiffing too often -- problems that have also plagued Stephenson in the past -- to contribute in a meaningful way. Acquiring him would be a commitment to defense behind the plate, perhaps even thrusting Trevino into a starting role.

So, perhaps instead of asking him to handle regular big-league duty, signing Rortvedt would be best as a secondary move behind the plate. He'd make for a fantastic third catcher in Triple-A, a level at which he posted a respectable 82 wRC+ this year. In that sense, he could continue to help the pitching staff with his top-notch receiving skills when called upon, but he wouldn't be asked to carry the load on offense at any point.

Adhering to that plan sort of brings us back to square one, however. The depth would be in place, but the Reds would still be lacking a starter at catcher. Assuming rushing Duno up the ladder is out of the question, that would either force the front office to sign (or trade for) another backstop, or hand Rortvedt his biggest responsibility since serving as the Tampa Bay Rays' primary catcher in 2024.

As far as inexpensive moves go, bringing Rortvedt back to Cincinnati seems like a rock-solid one with little downside. But if he's the only addition the Reds make at the position this offseason, something has probably gone quite wrong.

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