The Cincinnati Reds designated former Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment Tuesday.
The Reds signed All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027, and needed to make room on their roster.
Rortvedt came to the Dodgers at the trade deadline in 2025 as part of a three-team trade involving the Tampa Bay Rays and the Reds.
How Did Ben Rortvedt Contribute to the Dodgers in 2025?
After being sent to the Dodgers, Rortvedt quickly found himself with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He played 17 games with the Comets, posting a .667 OPS with two homers and six RBIs.
In September, though, the 28-year-old got his shot. Will Smith suffered a hand injury and sat out for nearly a month, and Dalton Rushing wore a foul ball off of his knee and went to the injured list shortly after.
With their first and second-choice catchers both out with injury, the Dodgers called on Rortvedt to man the starting spot in their absence. He slashed .224/.309/.327 in his 18 regular season games with the Dodgers, and even found some time during the postseason.
Oct 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt (47) fields a throw to make an out at home plate against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
He played great come October, batting .429 in seven at-bats and posting a 1.071 OPS with an RBI during his four games.
Throughout his time in MLB in 2025, Rortvedt hovered around league average as far as his defensive metrics are concerned.
The Dodgers designated Rortvedt for assignment after the regular season because he didn’t have any minor league options remaining and the Dodgers didn’t intend to keep three catchers on their 40-man roster heading into the offseason.
The Reds claimed him off waivers shortly after.
Earlier in the offseason, Rortvedt commented on the support from Dodgers fans, expressing his appreciation for the love he felt in L.A.
“It was tough when I came in but I really appreciate the support,” he said. “It’s been really cool to come in and try to do my job but feel support from the fans and be able to be myself.”
The World Series champion will likely find a new team before the end of the offseason, with quality backup catchers in MLB few and far between. Could the Dodgers take a shot on Rortvedt again?
Giannis Antetokounmpo Finally Speaks Amid Heat Trade Talks
Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly addressed the growing uncertainty surrounding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks as the Miami Heat emerged as one of the most active teams assembling a concrete framework for a potential blockbuster trade.
Speaking Tuesday with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his deep emotional ties to Milwaukee while acknowledging the urgency that now defines the Bucks’ decision-making.
“What I want deep down in my heart is I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career and win here,” Antetokounmpo said.
That statement came as league pressure intensified and Miami continued to explore one of the most aggressive and asset-rich proposals on the table.
Giannis Balances Loyalty With Championship Urgency
Antetokounmpo detailed his personal roots in Milwaukee—where he married, raised his children and buried his father—pushing back on criticism questioning his commitment amid trade speculation.
“So people have the audacity to come tell me and say, ‘This guy really doesn’t love Milwaukee,’” Antetokounmpo said. “The people of the city know how much I love them.”
At the same time, the two-time NBA MVP acknowledged that time has become a central factor.
“How many chances do I have left to win a championship?” Antetokounmpo said. “You gotta be more careful and more urgent in every decision that you make moving forward.”
According to Owczarski, Antetokounmpo paused for several seconds before finishing his thought.
“But at the end of the day,” he said, “you gotta look.”
Bucks Review Offers as Heat Remain Aggressive
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Bucks are actively reviewing offers from several teams, including the Heat, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Bucks officials, executives and ownership are all huddling against the clock,” Charania reported. “Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for his exit from Milwaukee, whether that comes at the deadline or in the offseason.”
Charania noted that each proposal reflects a different philosophy, with Miami’s package blending established players, young talent and future draft capital.
Ke’lel Ware Emerges as Cornerstone of Heat Proposal
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, young center Ke’lel Ware has emerged as a central piece of Miami’s offer.
“The Heat’s offer, according to a source, is widely expected to include Ware, Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier’s expiring contract, and another young player or more,” Jackson reported, “along with first-round picks in 2030 and 2032 and possibly pick swaps in 2026, 2029, and 2031.”
Ware, a 7-footer with shooting range and rim-protection upside, represents Miami’s closest equivalent to a blue-chip young asset—precisely the type of player Milwaukee has prioritized in conversations around a Giannis deal.
Miami Weighs Aggression Against Long-Term Cost
If such a trade were completed, Miami would still retain a competitive core around Antetokounmpo, including Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and first-time All-Star Norman Powell.
That possibility aligns with Miami’s long-standing preference for star consolidation while maintaining playoff viability—an approach that has defined the franchise’s recent runs.
Still, skepticism remains across the league.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported Tuesday that “there is growing skepticism around the league about the Heat’s chances of a Giannis trade,” reflecting concerns about whether Miami’s offer ultimately meets Milwaukee’s internal threshold.
A Familiar Position for Miami as Decision Nears
For the Heat, the pursuit places the franchise in familiar territory: aggressive, opportunistic and willing to wait until the final moment if necessary.
For the Bucks, the calculus remains unresolved. Antetokounmpo’s loyalty is unmistakable. His urgency is equally clear.
As Milwaukee weighs competing philosophies—draft-heavy packages, player-centric offers and blended approaches—the Heat remain firmly in the mix, armed with a proposal built around young upside, financial flexibility and long-term picks.
Whether that proves enough to move a generational talent still under contract remains the league’s defining question.