The New York Mets are continuing to shuffle their roster this offseason, making moves that suggest they are serious about adding depth and competition behind the plate. The team officially confirmed a major steal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a related roster adjustment, right-handed reliever Dedniel Núñez was moved to the 60-day injured list, opening a spot for top star to join the team. This acquisition follows the Mets’ recent signing of former Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to a minor league deal, signaling that New York is building one of the most crowded and versatile catching rooms in Major League Baseball this spring.
Rortvedt, 28, has had a whirlwind career over the past few seasons. Last year, he began with the Tampa Bay Rays but struggled at the plate, managing just six hits in 63 at-bats (.095) across 26 games while contributing six RBI and seven walks. Tampa Bay designated him for assignment on May 28, and after clearing waivers, he was sent outright to Triple-A Durham. His stay in the minors was short-lived, however, as a midseason trade sent him to the Dodgers in a complex three-team deal involving the Cincinnati Reds.
While with Los Angeles, Rortvedt started in Triple-A with the Oklahoma City Comets but was soon called up on September 4 when both Dodgers catchers, Will Smith and Dalton Rushing, were sidelined by injuries. Once promoted, Rortvedt stepped into a more prominent role, serving as the team’s primary catcher for much of September. Over 18 games, he posted a .224 batting average, hit one home run, and drove in four runs. He also gained valuable postseason experience, appearing in four games during the Dodgers’ World Series run and tallying three hits and an RBI in the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Rortvedt’s path to the majors began with the Minnesota Twins, who drafted him and brought him up in 2021. He was traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 2022 season in a deal that sent big names Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to New York in exchange for Gary Sánchez and Gio Urshela. Since then, Rortvedt has bounced around, showing flashes of potential but also struggling with consistency. His best season came in 2024 with Tampa Bay, when he appeared in 113 games and produced a .228/.317/.303 slash line with three home runs, 31 RBI, and a .620 OPS — a performance that demonstrated he can contribute at the major league level when given regular playing time.
In total, Rortvedt has appeared in 227 MLB games, compiling a .190/.279/.270 slash line with nine homers, 52 RBI, and a .549 OPS. While those numbers may not jump off the page, his defensive skills and versatility behind the plate make him a valuable piece for a Mets team that wants options and depth at the catcher position. This spring, he joins a group that includes projected starter Francisco Álvarez, backup Luis Torrens, Hayden Senger, and Barnes, creating a competitive environment where multiple catchers could earn major league playing time.
Meanwhile, Núñez’s move to the 60-day injured list was expected. The right-handed reliever is sidelined for the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time last July. While his absence is a blow to the Mets’ bullpen plans, the team appears confident in their ability to absorb the loss while continuing to strengthen other areas, such as catching.
By adding Rortvedt, the Mets not only increase competition at a critical position but also add a catcher with recent postseason experience and a history of adapting to new teams and roles. This move highlights New York’s proactive approach to roster management, giving them flexibility and options as they head into spring training with a renewed focus on depth, versatility, and readiness for the grind of a full MLB season.