Key Highlights
- Tony Gonsolin cleared waivers and elected free agency after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series win.
- Gonsolin is expected to miss most or all of the 2026 season due to a second major elbow surgery.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers also announced that catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
- Gonsolin’s career has seen significant ups and downs, including a strong rookie season in 2019 and an All-Star appearance in 2022.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Roster Changes: Gonsolin to Free Agency
The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced changes to their roster with right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin elected free agency after clearing waivers. This move comes on the heels of the team’s World Series victory, a significant milestone for the organization. Gonsolin, who is 31 years old, burst onto the scene in 2019 with a strong rookie season, finishing with an impressive 2.93 ERA over 40 innings.
His career reached new heights in 2022 when he recorded a remarkable 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA across 130.1 innings, earning him an All-Star appearance.
However, Gonsolin’s journey has been marred by injuries. He reached his lowest point in 2023 when he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2024 season.
Despite setting expectations for a return to form in 2025, Gonsolin faced another setback with a back injury that forced him onto the injured list at the start of the season. He managed to make seven starts in 2025 but struggled, recording a 5.00 ERA across 36 innings before being sidelined with an elbow injury that necessitated major surgery.
Gonsolin’s career is now likely to remain quiet for 2026 unless a team opts for a two-year deal with low average annual value and bets on his return to form in 2027. His departure could leave a void in the starting rotation, especially given his past contributions.
Ben Rortvedt’s Departure
In related news, catcher Ben Rortvedt was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. This move officially ends Rortvedt’s tenure with the Dodgers. The announcement did not specify whether Rortvedt was designated for assignment or waived.
Rortvedt joined the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline this past year as a throw-in in a three-team deal that sent Hunter Feduccia to the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, his role with the team proved pivotal late in the season when Will Smith and Dalton Rushing got hurt. Rortvedt started both Wild Card games and two NLDS games before being replaced by a healthy Smith.
Rortvedt’s game-calling and framing skills were particularly impressive, leading to significant success from Dodgers starting pitchers over the final month of the season and into October. His contributions were crucial in securing the team’s position in the playoffs.
Implications for the Los Angeles Dodgers
The departures of both Gonsolin and Rortvedt have significant implications for the future of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gonsolin, a key member of their 2022 All-Star roster, could be replaced by another pitcher in free agency or through trades. The loss of Rortvedt, who provided valuable experience behind the plate during critical moments of the playoffs, leaves an important position open.
The team’s management must now focus on filling these gaps while maintaining their competitive edge for future seasons.
This could involve exploring free agent options, making strategic trades, or developing young talent from within the organization. The decision to lose Gonsolin and Rortvedt also highlights the unpredictable nature of pitching injuries in Major League Baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure their roster remains strong and competitive for the 2026 season and beyond, especially given the high stakes involved in maintaining a championship-caliber team in MLB.
