The Cleveland Guardians have a new catcher in the fold for 2024.
They've claimed Christian Bethancourt off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times had the information on social media:
Hearing #Rays LHP Jalen Beeks was claimed by #Rockies and C Christian Bethancourt by #Guardians. Could be a few other Rays moves coming
This officially ends the tenure of Bethancourt in Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old native of Panama played 104 games for the Rays this year, serving as a critical part of a roster that won 99 games and got to the playoffs yet again. He hit .225 with 11 homers and 33 RBI. He posted a .254 on-base percentage.
He just wrapped up his seventh season in the majors with the Braves, Padres, A's and Rays. He's had an interesting career arc, having debuted with Atlanta in 2013. He appeared in a major league game each year from 2013-2017 and then didn't appear in one again until 2022 with Oakland.
Lifetime, he's a .231 hitter with 30 homers and 113 RBI.
The decision to let Bethancourt go could have been driven by finances
Per MLBTradeRumors:
He was projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $2.3MM salary if tendered a contract. While that’s not an outlandish figure, the Rays have a huge arbitration class and intended to look for a catching upgrade. Rather than wait until the non-tender deadline, they placed him on waivers a few weeks early.
Bethancourt will battle it out with Bo Naylor in Cleveland for playing time.
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