When the Cubs signed Christian Bethancourt to a minor league deal, it didn’t exactly send shockwaves through the baseball world. But if the 2025 season taught us anything, it’s that these kinds of low-risk moves can quietly become difference-makers over the course of a 162-game grind.
Let’s rewind for a second. Chicago got strong production from its catching tandem this past season.
Carson Kelly, the veteran, brought the pop-his 17 home runs were the most he’s hit in a season since 2019. He finished as one of the top-10 offensive catchers in the league, and much of that was made possible by how the Cubs managed his workload early on.
That’s where Miguel Amaya came in. The 26-year-old opened the year with a bang, slashing .281/.314/.500 over 103 plate appearances and posting a 126 wRC+.
He gave the Cubs a reliable second option behind the plate and allowed Kelly to stay fresh.
But then came the injuries.
First, Amaya went down with an oblique issue that sidelined him for three months. Just when it seemed he might be turning a corner, his season was cut short again in mid-August with an ankle injury.
Suddenly, the Cubs needed someone to step in and steady the ship-and that’s exactly what Reese McGuire did. He wasn’t flashy, but he was solid, and in a long season, that’s exactly what you need from a backup catcher.
That’s the context to keep in mind with Bethancourt’s return. No, he’s not being brought in to be the everyday guy.
And no, he’s not expected to turn into a middle-of-the-order bat. But if things go sideways-if injuries hit again or depth gets tested-having a veteran like Bethancourt ready in Triple-A is a smart insurance policy.
Bethancourt is no stranger to the Cubs. He suited up for Chicago in 2024, appearing in 24 games and making the most of his 59 plate appearances.
He posted an .814 OPS, launched three homers, and drove in 15 runs. His most memorable moment?
A seven-RBI performance in a wild 14-10 comeback win over the Pirates, where he helped erase a 10-3 deficit. That’s the kind of spark he’s capable of providing in the right spot.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Bethancourt’s deal includes a $1.6 million salary if he’s on the big-league roster in 2026-or a prorated portion, depending on how long he sticks. It’s a classic depth move: low cost, potentially high reward.
Of course, there are no guarantees. Bethancourt struggled at Triple-A in the Blue Jays’ system last year, finishing with just a .551 OPS.
If he doesn’t show signs of life at the plate, the Cubs can move on and look elsewhere. But if he’s hitting?
He becomes a valuable piece of depth, someone who can step in and hold things down if the team finds itself thin behind the dish.
In today’s game, where injuries are inevitable and roster flexibility is key, having a veteran like Bethancourt stashed in the system is just smart baseball. No one’s expecting him to carry the lineup. But if he can give the Cubs what McGuire gave them last season-steady, competent play in a pinch-that’s a win.