Report: Cubs sign intriguing free agent catcher

To this point in the MLB offseason, the Chicago Cubs have still not made a major impact move in free agency. While the rumors have been swirling, Jed Hoyer and the front office have remained focused on adding depth to the roster.

That was the case once again on Monday.

According to a report from longtime MLB insider Jon Herman, the Cubs have agreed to terms with free agent catcher Christian Bethancourt.

“Christian Bethancourt agrees to Cubs deal. $1.6M if in majors,” Heyman wrote in his report on X.

Fans are likely familiar with Bethancourt’s name. He spent some time in Chicago during the 2024 MLB season with the team. In that year, he played in 24 games with the Cubs, hitting three home runs to go along with 15 RBI and a slash line of .281/.305/.509.

Obviously, this isn’t the kind of move that will move the needle one way or another for Chicago. Bethancourt has a chance to earn a role as valuable depth at the catcher position. However, he is not the kind of player that can further the Cubs’ chances of making a run at the World Series.

Bethancourt is 34 years old. He has played in 427 career games during his Major League Baseball career, totaling 35 home runs, 135 RBI, and has slashed .229/.259/.362.

While this is a quality move to add much-needed depth, the Chicago fan base is still hoping to see Hoyer get aggressive. Rumors have surrounded star infielder Alex Bregman all offseason long. Both Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger remain free agent options to watch.

Hopefully, the Cubs will make an impact move in the near future. For now, fans can simply enjoy seeing potential depth pieces added to the roster with the hope of bigger moves ahead.