If there is one quality the Los Angeles Dodgers value and utilize above all, it is depth. It seems like injuries test that every year, and this year is no exception. Several pitchers currently reside on the Injured List. It’s an annual occurrence. However. one thing Los Angeles did not anticipate was an extended absence from their All-Star catcher Will Smith. What was originally diagnosed as a “stiff neck” has progressed to a nerve irritation that has caused Smith to miss months. In fact, he just recently resumed ‘baseball activities”. If all goes well, Smith could return back behind the dish by mid-August.
However, if he has another setback, the Dodgers could pursue a backup catcher to help Dalton Rushing carry the workload. Here are three viable options they could pursue. in case it becomes a need.
The Dodgers are still considering adding a second backup catcher before the trade deadline. ?
However, the expectation remains that Will Smith will be back well before the postseason, per @katiejwoo pic.twitter.com/eJseC06vQf
— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) July 27, 2026
Dodgers’ Trade Options For Backup Catcher
Trading for a Twin?
If the Dodgers were to swing a deal for catcher Ryan Jeffers, they would definitely receive an offensive boost. He is hitting for an almost .300 batting average and has some pop in his bat as well, with nine home runs and 35 runs batted in. His right-handed bat would be the perfect complement to Dalton Rushing’s left-handed one. He wouldn’t have to carry most of the load.
In addition, there is a Dodgers’ trade history with the Minnesota Twins. They acquired right-handed reliever Brock Stewart last year. The Twins, who are in the midst of a rebuild, may be interested in the prospect-rich environment that is the Los Angeles minor-league system. It remains to be seen if Los Angeles will be willing to get an a bidding war with other teams, as Jeffers appears to be one of the more popular backup backstops on the market.
A Red Turning Blue?
Another attractive option for the Dodgers might be Tyler Stephenson. The veteran catcher is also a free agent at the end of the year. He is also a right-handed bat which would also be an offensive upgrade. His batting average of .244 is decent. However, Stephenson is hitting over .320 over the last couple of weeks. He has eight home runs to his credit and 28 R.B.I.s in a somewhat limited role.
It has been a disappointing year for Cincinnati. who hoped to compete in the National League Central. Now it seems the upward progression has stalled, and it seems they could be in a sellers’ market, and get something of value for their expiring contracts. Stephenson’s could be a bit lower than other catching candidates.
A Familiar Name and an Old Friend
Catcher Ben Rortvedt still has a cult following of sorts on Dodger fans’ social media. Rortvedt gave the Dodgers much-needed catching depth when both Will Smith and Dalton Rushing were sidelined with injuries last year. He did much better than anyone expected when it came to handling the Los Angeles pitching staff. He also had a clutch hit or two. He has since been designated for assignment by multiple teams including the Dodgers, and is a current resident of the New York Mets minor league system. The asking price for the catcher’s services would be fairly low if the Dodgers were to go that route.
An Important Footnote
President of Baseball Operations, has made it clear that he doesn’t prefer to make a deal at the trade deadline because the price can be high. However, he has proven he is willing to if the Dodgers have a need. With less than a week to go before the Trade Deadline, the question is not if Los Angeles makes a deal, but when. With a possible three-peat in their sights, there is no question they will do what is necessary to make another championship possible.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
