2026 Transactions: Pirates Acquire Bethancourt, Blue Jays Promote Cellucci

Amidst injuries, the Pirates added a backup catcher on August 19. Additionally, several Minor League relievers received their first call-ups, including Brendan Cellucci.

Pirates trade for catcher

The Pirates traded for Yankees catcher Christian Bethancourt on August 19. Pittsburgh sent over cash in the deal. And yes, a friendly reminder that players can be traded after the deadline, even though those individuals are not postseason-eligible.

Bethancourt, now 34 years of age, hit 14 home runs this season between Iowa and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The eight-year MLB veteran, who hasn’t played in the big leagues since 2024, has bounced between the Cubs and Yankees organizations this year.

He was assigned to Triple-A after the trade.

Contract selections

Left-hander Brendan Cellucci was selected by the Blue Jays. A 28-year-old left-hander taken by the Red Sox in 2019, he struck out 48 over 45.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A this season. Mid-90s fastballs (4SFB & Sinker), along with a slider and a sweeper.

Another fellow left-hander, Erik Tolman, was selected by the Nationals. Tolman struck out 42 and walked 23 over 31 frames for Triple-A Rochester.

Jhonathan Diaz is back with the Mariners, as Seattle selected his contract from Triple-A.

Colorado selected Mark Manfredi from Triple-A Albuquerque. Manfredi was acquired from the Brewers in the Antonio Senzatela trade from earlier in August.

Releases

Michael Lorenzen (Rockies), Andrew Hoffmann (Diamondbacks), and Starling Marte (Royals) were released. All three were previously designated for assignment.

Recalls & options

Chris Roycroft (Rays), David Fry (Guardians), Kenny Piper (Rays), Eric Wagaman, and Chayce McDermott (Mets) were recalled from the Minors.

Jack Weisenburger (Mets), Jeremiah Jackson (Orioles), Josh Simpson (Mariners), Seth Johnson (Athletics), Brandon Lockridge (Brewers), Miguel Ullola (Astros), Jesse Scholtens (Rays), Reiver Sanmartin (Giants), Yovanny Cruz (Nationals), and TJ Shook (Rockies) were optioned.

Other notes

The Giants claimed pitcher Philip Abner from the Diamondbacks.

Former Brave Darius Vines signed a Minor League contract with the Reds.

The Cubs signed infielder Jackson Cluff to a Minor League deal. Additionally, Chicago claimed Gabriel Arias.

Matt Waldron (Blue Jays), Jonathan Hernandez (Dodgers), and Parker Mushinski (Rockies) were designated for assignment.

Ron Marinaccio (Reds) and Marco Gonzales (Rangers) elected free agency.

Additionally, Matt Wilkinson and Ethan Pecko were promoted for their Major League debuts. Find out more about them, plus check out our other MLB coverage.