The Chicago Cubs have added some catcher depth to their organization.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Cubs have agreed to a minor-league contract with catcher Christian Bethancourt. Bethancourt will receive $1.6 million if he winds up on the Major League roster.

This will be the second time that Bethancourt is in the Cubs organization. The team signed him to a Minor League deal back in July of 2024, and he was a valuable backup catcher option for the team to end that season.

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Bethancourt slashed .281/.305/.509 with three home runs, four doubles, 15 RBI, and three stolen bases across 24 games with the North Siders. He was the backup to Miguel Amaya and had some strong offensive performances in a Cubs uniform.

His best offensive showing of the season came in a game late in August against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He went 3-for-5 with one double, one home run, one stolen base, and seven RBI in a 14-10 win.

After spending the 2025 season in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Triple-A system, Bethancourt will now be back in Chicago’s organization. He will have an invite to Spring Training and provide the Cubs with some catcher depth.

The Bethancourt signing is very similar to the Reese McGuire signing last offseason. Both are just insurance policies in case Amaya or Carson Kelly goes down with an injury. If Amaya or Kelly has to miss time during the season, Bethancourt would then step in.

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So, this signing gives the team some flexibility in case an injury occurs. Each organization needs a veteran-type catcher like this down in the Minors, and the Cubs have found theirs heading into the new year.

Bethancourt has been around the game for over a decade now, with stops on six different Major League teams. Although he has never really produced solid offensive numbers in his career, the 34-year-old’s experience makes him a fine depth piece for the Cubs.

The eight-year veteran will enter Spring Training as the clear third catcher in the organization behind both Amaya and Kelly. But Bethancourt could eventually be called up to the Major League roster if Amaya or Kelly goes on the injured list at any point in 2026.

This signing could signal the end of McGuire’s tenure with the Cubs. The 30-year-old was a solid depth option for the team last year, as he hit .226 with nine home runs and 24 RBI across 44 games.

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However, Bethancourt appears to have filled that catcher depth role for this upcoming season.