The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a split-level contract with free agent catcher Christian Bethancourt, which would pay the player $1,600,000 if he is on the major league roster. The catcher spent his most recent season in the Toronto Blue Jays’ system, appearing in 58 games with their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, where he struggled with a 42 wRC+.

Despite his struggles in 2025, Bethancourt had a successful stint with the Chicago Cubs the year prior, after being acquired from the Miami Marlins. He would go on to post a .281/.305/.509 line, smashing three home runs and finishing with a 125 wRC+ in 59 plate appearances. 

Bethancourt is not being signed with an eye toward starting with the major league club, as the team projects to have Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya (as he returns from injury) man the backstop. However, as we saw with Amaya last year, you can never count out a rash of injuries at the position, which will strengthen the organization’s depth there. This contract will allow the Cubs to stash their new signing in Iowa and have him serve as a “break glass in case of emergency” type of player.

It’s true that the club also has top prospect Moises Ballesteros available at the position, but he’s still a work-in-progress defensively. He may be able to make a lot of strides over the winter, or he may still need work. With as many as 40-man spots on the team, they can afford this kind of luxury, having a few different options to choose from. If everything goes to plan, you’d hope you’ll never need him, but having someone capable of playing the position is always important, as the team has learned in previous seasons. 

What do you think of Christian Bethancourt? Do you think he’s a good addition as a third- or fourth-option at the position organizationally? Let us know in the comments below!