The Los Angeles Dodgers made two moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Mets and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals, the team announced Monday.
Dodgers acquire Rortvedt from Mets for McDermott
The Dodgers sent right-handed pitcher Chayce McDermott to the Mets in exchange for Rortvedt, a veteran catcher with prior experience in the Dodgers organization. The deal marks the third time in 14 months the Dodgers have acquired Rortvedt, having previously traded for him before the 2023 deadline and claimed him off waivers in February.
Rortvedt, who was not on the Mets’ 40-man roster, had spent the season with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a .733 OPS in 48 games. The Dodgers designated McDermott for assignment on Friday as part of a bullpen adjustment. Backup catcher Dalton Rushing was scratched from the lineup Sunday due to what the team described as minor arm irritation, underscoring the need for catching depth.
Dodgers land Bubic from Royals for Duran
Los Angeles also acquired Bubic, a former All-Star, from Kansas City in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran. Bubic, who had been on the 60-day injured list with left elbow and shoulder soreness since mid-May, appeared in just nine games for the Royals this season, posting a 3-2 record and 4.11 ERA with 51 strikeouts.
The Dodgers’ move comes as Bubic recovers from injuries that derailed his 2024 campaign. Last season, he was an All-Star, posting an 8-7 record, 2.55 ERA, and 116 strikeouts in 20 appearances. His potential return to form could bolster a Dodgers rotation already considered among the league’s strongest.
Rortvedt’s Dodgers history and role
Rortvedt has played 227 career MLB games across four teams, including 18 with the Dodgers in 2023. In that span, he hit .224 with one home run and four RBI. His postseason impact included a .429 batting average in four games during the Dodgers’ 2023 playoff run. The team’s catching depth has been tested this season, with Will Smith sidelined since early June due to a lingering neck injury and Rushing dealing with arm irritation.
Bubic’s injury timeline and outlook
Bubic’s recovery timeline remains a key factor in his potential contribution. The Royals, who are not in playoff contention, designated him as a trade candidate given his pending unrestricted free agency. The Dodgers, who have emphasized pitching depth for a postseason push, are betting on Bubic’s ability to regain his 2023 form.
The Dodgers’ deadline activity reflects their focus on shoring up roster weaknesses while maintaining flexibility for the postseason.