Yankees add key depth piece in journeyman catcher Christian Bethancourt

Christian Bethancourt. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Yankees add key depth piece in journeyman catcher Christian Bethancourt

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 5:48 PM ET

The New York Yankees have signed journeyman catcher Christian Bethancourt to a minor-league contract and have assigned him to Triple-A Scranton, so he will not take up a 40-man roster spot.

The 34-year-old veteran posted a 90 wRC+ and a .466 slugging percentage across 59 games for the Iowa Cubs, the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate team, this season.

Bethancourt is a right-handed bat who offers organizational depth at the catcher position, as he is a low-risk signing rather than a major deadline acquisition. This means the Yankees will likely be pursuing more options ahead of Aug 3. trade deadline.

But as a depth piece, he carries upside with positional versatility, as he can play both catcher and first base. While Bethancourt hasn't played in the majors since 2024, he does own a .775 OPS (.783 vs. RHP/.736 vs. LHP) across 59 games in Triple-A this year.

Christian Bethancourt signs minor-league deal with the Yankees.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 28, 2026

Christian Bethancourt provides extra insurance behind the plate for the Yankees

Bethancourt serves as a solid right-handed option who has pop to his bat with 11 home runs with five stolen bases and 38 RBI in Triple-A this season. In his career, he owns a .229/.259/.362 slash line with eight seasons played in the majors.

In addition, with the way injuries have been piling in MLB, it doesn't hurt to acquire extra depth, insurance and flexibility, which would allow for the Yankees to call him up immediately if an unexpected injury arose.

As well, since catcher Ali Sanchez is out of options, it makes sense for the Yankees to bolster their catching depth.

The front office has added Bethancourt with the intention of continuing to look for another power catcher ahead of the deadline. Tuesday's move provides them with some cushion at the position.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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