Yankees Add Veteran Catcher Ahead of Trade Deadline

The eight-year MLB veteran has not played in the big leagues since 2024, when he was a member of the Chicago Cubs. In 2025, Bethancourt spent the entire year with the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Earlier in 2026, Bethancourt played for Triple-A Iowa in the Cubs' organization and even made a couple of appearances as a pitcher. Bethancourt is known for his strong arm and topped out in the mid-90s during his recent stint.

The Yankees have been combing the trade market for a potential catcher to replace Austin Wells behind the plate. Wells has struggled with the bat this year, posting an abysmal .544 OPS with seven home runs and 14 RBI in 72 games. Wells is just short of being a qualified hitter, but his .165 batting average would easily be the lowest in MLB.

New York has been tied to multiple names, including Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies , Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins and Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds. Of the three, there has been the most buzz surrounding Jeffers, and the asking price for Goodman may now be too steep given his recent performance. Goodman leads all catchers with 31 home runs this year, with a sparkling .888 OPS.

Bethancourt looks to be just an organizational depth add for the Yankees. For a team with visions of a deep playoff run, there needs to be an upgrade over Wells, Bethancourt, or backup catcher Ali Sanchez. Look for the Bronx Bombers to add another name behind the plate by next week's trade deadline.