Chicago Cubs Sign Christian Bethancourt to Minor League Deal

The Chicago Cubs are turning again to a familiar name behind the plate. They’re bringing back catcher Christian Bethancourt on a minor league deal that could pay him $1.6 million if he reaches the majors.

This move says a lot about where the Cubs’ catching depth chart stands heading into 2025. The front office is trying to balance defensive reliability, offensive risk, and financial flexibility.

Christian Bethancourt Returns to Wrigley on a Low-Risk Deal

Christian Bethancourt, 34, is back in the Cubs’ system after spending the second half of 2024 in Chicago. He spent the entire 2025 season at Triple-A Buffalo with the Blue Jays’ organization.

The new agreement is a minor league contract with an incentive: if Bethancourt makes the big league roster, he’ll earn a $1.6 million salary.

For the Cubs, this is classic low-risk, medium-upside roster management. Catcher is a position where they have more questions than answers right now.

A Strong but Unsustainable 2024 Cameo

During his short stint with Chicago in 2024, Bethancourt quietly made an impression. Over 24 games and 59 plate appearances, he slashed .281/.305/.509, showing surprising pop and some timely hitting.

Inside the front office, though, those numbers raised some eyebrows. The Cubs didn’t really buy that level of offensive production would hold up all year, especially since Bethancourt’s bat has been inconsistent.

That skepticism led to a tough business decision at the end of the year.

Why the Cubs Let Him Walk — Then Brought Him Back

Instead of keeping Bethancourt via arbitration at a projected salary of about $2.5 million, Chicago outrighted him off the roster. Bethancourt chose free agency, hoping he might find a clearer path or more commitment somewhere else.

He landed with the Blue Jays on a minor league deal and spent 2025 at Triple-A Buffalo. The results were rough, and the call-up never came.

A Poor 2025 in Buffalo Doesn’t Scare the Cubs

In Buffalo, Bethancourt hit just .173/.219/.332. The lack of on-base skills and swing-and-miss issues popped up again, and Toronto didn’t see enough to bring him up.

The Cubs see minimal downside in a reunion anyway. The financial commitment is modest, and the contract doesn’t guarantee a roster spot.

The team can take another look at him in spring training. If the bat works even a little, it’s a bonus.

An Unsettled Cubs Catching Picture

This move also highlights the Cubs’ broader catching situation, which is shaky at best. The decision to non-tender Reese McGuire took a veteran out of the mix, and the rest of the depth chart has real question marks.

Right now, Chicago is juggling a mix of uncertainty and upside behind the plate.

Carson Kelly, Miguel Amaya, and Moisés Ballesteros

The internal group features several names, each with their own mix of risks and potential:

Given all that, Bethancourt’s appeal is obvious. He offers experienced, non-roster depth at Triple-A and a real shot at the majors if things break his way in spring.

What Bethancourt Brings Behind the Plate

Offense will always be a question for Bethancourt, but his defensive profile keeps him on front offices’ radar. Catching is a run-prevention job first, and he checks several important boxes.

Strengths and Limitations as a Defender

Bethancourt is seen as a solid defensive catcher, especially when it comes to controlling the running game. His throwing arm and pop times are legit, and he can make runners think twice.

On the flip side, scouts and metrics aren’t as high on his framing and blocking. He’s not an elite receiver at stealing strikes on the edges, and sometimes he struggles to keep balls in front of him.

Still, in a backup or limited role, his overall defensive package can be useful.

One important roster note: Bethancourt would be out of minor league options if the Cubs add him to the 40-man roster. If they bring him up, they’ll have to be comfortable keeping him or risk losing him on waivers.

What This Signing Really Means for Chicago

Bethancourt’s return isn’t exactly a blockbuster move. Still, it feels like a subtle, smart play for depth.

The Cubs get a familiar defender and a respected veteran. He might be a short-term fix for their always-shifting catching situation, and he comes at a fair price without jamming up the roster.

If he hits well in spring training, Bethancourt could end up as a backup or even share catching duties in 2025. If not, he’ll steady things in the upper minors and give the Cubs another safety net at a position that never really feels deep enough.

 
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