Dodgers Add World Series Champion on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 7:29 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to win a third straight World Series title in 2026 and cement their place in league history. With Spring Training approaching, Los Angeles appears to be finished making major splashes in free agency.

The Dodgers addressed both of their biggest needs this winter, reinforcing the back end of the bullpen by adding closing pitcher Edwin Diaz on a three-year contract and signing superstar Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal to solidify the corner outfield.

With their core improved, the front office has shifted to fine tuning the 40-man roster to ensure the team is equipped for the grind of a 162-game season and has enough depth to withstand injuries.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

On Friday, Los Angeles reunited with a familiar face on the waiver wire. The Dodgers announced they had claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt from the Cincinnati Reds, officially bringing him back onto the 40-man roster.

Rortvedt finished the 2025 season with the Dodgers and remained on the postseason roster through the World Series.

He arrived at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays and handled the pitching staff well as primary catcher Will Smith dealt with a right hand injury late in the regular season and into October.

"The Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt and designated LHP Anthony Banda for assignment," the team wrote on X.

The Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt and designated LHP Anthony Banda for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 6, 2026

Los Angeles designated Rortvedt for assignment in November, hoping he would clear waivers due to his $1.125 million salary.

Instead, the Reds claimed him and kept him on their roster for two months before designating him again after signing third baseman Eugenio Suarez.

This time, the Dodgers were able to bring him back, giving them a reliable backup option if developing backstop Dalton Rushing is not ready to take a step forward in 2026.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers designated reliever Anthony Banda for assignment. With Banda’s salary also guaranteed, the club hopes he clears waivers and can remain in the organization, as he has been part of their last two World Series runs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: