Reds claim Dodgers catcher and make one roster cut all but certain

The Cincinnati Reds just claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 27-year-old backstop split his time between the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays during the 2025 season, and was actually involved in the Reds' trade deadline deal to acquire right-handed pitcher Zack Littell.

With the addition of Rortvedt, the Reds' catching room is quite crowded. Cincinnati already had three backstops on the 40-man roster prior to their latest pickup, and the Reds are unlikely to keep four moving forward.

Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino aren't going anywhere, but with Rortvedt in the fold, Will Banfield's time on the 40-man roster is all but over. A 2018 draft selection of the Miami Marlins, Banfield was a non-roster invite to Goodyear this past spring and made his big-league debut during the 2025 season after Stephenson hit the IL back in August.

Reds claim Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt and Will Banfield will likely be let go in the coming days

Rortvedt brings a significant boost to the Reds roster, and four years of Major League experience. Known more for his defensive prowess than his bat, Rortvedt owns a career .549 OPS. In addition to playing for the Dodgers, he's also suited up for the Rays, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees. Altogether, Rortvedt has 200-plus games behind the dish; a level of experience the Reds lacked in 2025.

Rortvedt has accumulated enough time to reach arbitration for the first time this winter, and according to MLB Trade Rumors, is likely to collect a pay day worth $1.3 million in 2026. The Wisconsin native is out of minor-league options, meaning Cincinnati would have to carry three catchers into Opening Day next season or risk losing Rortvedt to waivers.

There's an outside chance that Rortvedt's addition will allow the Reds to shop Stephenson this winter. Stephenson, who's the most tenured player on the Reds roster, is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility and there are no signs of a contract extension at this time.

With so many teams looking for an upgrade behind the plate, and so few options available, Cincinnati could decide to trade Stephenson this winter if the right deal was presented. The odds of that actually happening, however, seem extremely low.