Chicago Cubs Bring Back Veteran Catcher

The Chicago Cubs brought back a familiar face Monday when they announced that they are signing Christian Bethancourt to a minor-league deal. Bethancourt, 34, was with the Cubs in the latter half of the 2024 season.

Bethancourt is coming back to the Chicago Cubs after spending 2025 in the Toronto Blue Jays system. While it is not entirely clear as of yet, it’s anticipated that Bethancourt will start the 2026 season in the minors for the Cubs. He has a chance to change that though, at major league camp this upcoming spring.

Christian Bethancourt Rejoins Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs signed veteran catcher and first baseman Christian Bethancourt to a minor-league contract Monday. The 34-year-old Bethancourt is set to make $1.6M in 2026 after playing with the Chicago Cubs in the latter half of the 2024 season.

Bethancourt will not be assured of a spot on the major league roster, but he will be invited to major league camp in the spring. As of now, Bethancourt sits behind Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly and Moises Ballesteros as options for the Cubs behind the plate for the 2026 season.

In Bethancourt’s first stint with the Chicago Cubs he appeared in 24 games, slashed .281/.305/.509 with 3 HR and 15 RBI in 57 AB. For his career, Bethancourt slashes .229/.259/.362 with 35 HR and 135 RBI in 1241 AB across 427 games in parts of eight MLB seasons.

Bethancourt’s Role for 2026

With the Chicago Cubs in 2024, Bethancourt was a solid contributor in a back-up capacity. Despite this, the Chicago Cubs non-tendered him following the season and he joined the Toronto Blue Jays. Bethancourt did not make an appearance for the Blue Jays on the major league level. He is hoping to make it back with Chicago in 2026.

While Bethancourt is hoping to make it back to majors in 2026, the Chicago Cubs are hoping to have the same injury luck at the catcher position that Toronto had in 2025, and Bethancourt won’t be needed. Miguel Amaya has battled injuries in recent years, Carson Kelly has been inconsistent and Moises Ballesteros hasn’t proven an ability to play behind the plate.

If the Chicago Cubs need help in any of these areas during the 2026 season, Christian Bethancourt will be waiting in the wings. Bethancourt could’ve been more equipped to join the major league team as a back-up first baseman before the Cubs signed Tyler Austin last week. He will be a valuable depth piece in 2026 for the club regardless.