The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets in exchange for Chayce McDermott, the club announced on Monday morning ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. PT.
McDermott was designated for assignment on July 31 to make room on the 40-man roster for Cole Irvin.
He made two appearances for the Dodgers, allowing two runs in 2.1 innings, giving him a 7.71 ERA. The 27-year-old is 0-1 with a 12.00 ERA in seven Major League games (two starts) and 13 strikeouts in 15 innings.
McDermott made his Dodgers debut in the finale of the Freeway Series on May 17 when he pitched a scoreless inning but was optioned the following day.
He then pitched in the Dodgers’ series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing two runs on a homer in 1.1 innings of work before being optioned on June 22.
In 140 Minor League appearances, he is 23-26 with a 4.36 ERA and 611 strikeouts in 435.1 innings.
The Houston Astros drafted McDermott with the 132nd pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Ball State University.
He was acquired by the Dodgers from the Baltimore Orioles on April 16 for Axel Perez. The former top pitching prospect was designated for assignment on April 11.
Ben Rortvedt back with Dodgers
Rortvedt rejoins the Dodgers’ organization after being acquired via trade last season from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2025.
The 28-year-old was with Triple-A Syracuse, playing in 48 games, hitting .235 with six homers and 26 RBI.
Last season, Rortvedt played in 18 games for the Dodgers, batting .225 with one homer and four RBI while helping the Dodgers’ starters to an MLB-best 2.17 ERA in September. Rortvedt then appeared in four playoff games, recording a 1.071 OPS with one double and one RBI.
The backup catcher was lauded by the front office and teammates alike for his strong ability to manage the pitching staff.
The Dodgers attempted to sneak Rortvedt through waivers during the offseason, but the Cincinnati Reds claimed him. Then, after getting cut by the Reds, the Dodgers reunited with Rortvedt by claiming him off waivers.
That stint with the team lasted less than two weeks as he was DFA’d again and landed with the Mets.
He made his Major League debut in 2021 with the Minnesota Twins and has been part of the New York Yankees (2023), Rays (2024-25) and Dodgers (2025), hitting a combined .190 with nine homers and 52 RBI in 227 games.
He was drafted in the second round of the 2016 First Year Player Draft out of Verona High School.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
