Wikipedia

Christian Bethancourt

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Bethancourt and the second or maternal family name is Ruiz.

Christian Gabriel Bethancourt Ruiz (born September 2, 1991) is a Panamanian professional baseball catcher and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins, and in the KBO League for the NC Dinos. Bethancourt was signed by the Braves as an international free agent in 2008 and made his major league debut for them in 2013.

Christian Bethancourt
Bethancourt with the San Diego Padres in 2016
Chicago Cubs – No. 60
Catcher / First baseman
Born: (1991-09-02) September 2, 1991 (age 33)
Panama City, Panama
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: September 29, 2013, for the Atlanta Braves
KBO: March 23, 2019, for the NC Dinos
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.229
Home runs35
Runs batted in135
KBO statistics
(through 2019 season)
Batting average.246
Home runs8
Runs batted in29
Teams

Early life

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Bethancourt was born and raised in Panama City, Panama where he began playing baseball at the age of five. As a third baseman, Bethancourt had a tendency to abandon his position in favor of wherever the ball was hit. His parents convinced him to move behind the plate, saying that if Bethancourt left his position as a catcher during a game, his team would lose, as the other team would find it easy to score.[1]

Career

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Atlanta Braves

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Minor leagues

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Bethancourt was signed as an undrafted international free agent and began his minor league career at the age of 16 in 2008.[2] He was named the seventh-most-promising catching prospect in baseball by MLB.com prior to the 2012 season.[3]

Bethancourt played for the Mississippi Braves of the Double–A Southern League in 2012. He was named to the All-Star Futures Game.[4][5] On August 9, 2012, Bethancourt broke his left hand when he was hit with a pitch.[6] The Braves added him to their 40-man roster after the 2012 season.[7]

 
Carlos Correa (left) and Bethancourt at the 2013 All-Star Futures Game

Bethancourt again played for Mississippi in 2013 and made his second All Star Futures Game roster.[4] Following the end of the minor league season, he was promoted and joined the Atlanta Braves on September 9, 2013.[8][9] Bethancourt made his major league debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 29, 2013. He struck out in his only at bat.[10]

Major leagues

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In 2014, Bethancourt began the year with the Gwinnett Braves of the Triple–A International League, and made his third consecutive All Star Futures Game on June 24.[4] He was promoted to the major leagues when Evan Gattis went on the disabled list on June 28.[11] He recorded his first major league RBI on July 1, against Daisuke Matsuzaka.[12] Bethancourt batted .240 with the Braves in 13 games, and was demoted to the minor leagues on July 21, when Gattis was activated from the disabled list.[13] He was to be promoted back to the Braves on September 2.[14][15]

 
Bethancourt with the Atlanta Braves in 2014

In spring training in 2015, the Braves said Bethancourt would have to be assessed before he would be given the position of primary catcher.[16] On June 6, Bethancourt hit his first career home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, off of Vance Worley, to give the Braves a 5–4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.[17] Bethancourt appeared in 29 games for the Braves in early 2015, batting .208/.231/.297 with a .528 OPS and six passed balls, before being sent to back down to Triple–A Gwinnett on June 15 after he made a series of defensive mistakes and failed to hit.[18][19] At the time, according to ESPN Stats he was ranked 66th out of 82 qualifiers in catcher's ERA (4.50).[16] He also was ranked third among National League catchers in most passed balls and tied for fourth in errors (3) while playing in only 29 games.[16] He was recalled on August 24.[20] On October 5, Bethancourt underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus.[21][22]

San Diego Padres

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On December 10, 2015, Bethancourt was traded to the San Diego Padres for right hander Casey Kelly and Ricardo Rodriguez.[23] After spring training ended in April 2016, Bethancourt was named the backup to starting catcher Derek Norris.[24] Bethancourt made his first career pitching appearance on May 31, a blowout loss against the Seattle Mariners, recording two outs, two walks, and a hit batsmen.[25] He took the mound again on June 14, against the Miami Marlins, picking up his first strikeout as a pitcher, while yielding one hit and one walk in one inning.[26] At the end of the season, Bethancourt returned to his home country to play in the Panamanian Professional Baseball League, where he saw playing time as a pitcher and position player.[27]

On April 1, 2017, the Padres announced that Bethancourt would work primarily as a reliever, while also seeing duties as a catcher, outfielder, and pinch hitter.[28] Bethancourt struggled in four relief appearances, and the Padres outrighted him off of their 40-man roster to the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League, where he continued pitching.[29] He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.[30]

Milwaukee Brewers

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On January 8, 2018, Bethancourt signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.[31] He was assigned to the team's Triple-A affiliate, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, for the season. On July 11, he played in the Triple-A All-Star Game.[32][33] Bethancourt elected free agency after the year on November 2.[34]

NC Dinos

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On December 12, 2018, Bethancourt signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the NC Dinos of the KBO League.[35] He was waived on July 3, 2019.[36]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On January 7, 2020, Bethancourt signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.[37][38] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[39] Bethancourt became a free agent on November 2.[40]

On January 4, 2021, Bethancourt re-signed with the Phillies on a new minor league contract.[41][42] Bethancourt joined the Phillies' minor league camp during spring training.[43] On March 28, he was released by the Phillies.[44]

Pittsburgh Pirates

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On May 1, 2021, Bethancourt signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.[45] In 92 games for the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, he batted .281/.339/.468 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI. Bethancourt elected free agency following the season on November 7.[46]

Oakland Athletics

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On December 3, 2021, Bethancourt signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics. On April 15, 2022, Bethancourt was added to the Athletics roster for their road trip to Toronto as a COVID-19-related substitute.[47] He played three innings at first base. It was the first time Bethancourt had appeared in a Major League Baseball game since the 2017 season.[48] In 56 games for Oakland, he hit .249/.298/.385 with four home runs, 19 RBI, and four stolen bases.

Tampa Bay Rays

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On July 9, 2022, the Athletics traded Bethancourt to the Rays in exchange for Cal Stevenson and Christian Fernandez.[49] On August 23, Bethancourt drove in three runs, including a home run, and pitched a scoreless top of the ninth inning in an 11-1 blowout of the Los Angeles Angels. Bethancourt topped out at 95 mph while giving up two hits and striking out one to close out the game.[50][51]

In 2023, Bethancourt played in a career–high 104 games for Tampa Bay, hitting .225/.254/.381 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. On November 4, 2023, Bethancourt was placed on outright waivers by the Rays.[52]

Miami Marlins

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On November 6, 2023, Bethancourt was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians.[53] On December 10, Bethancourt was traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.[54][55] In 38 games for the Marlins, he hit .159/.198/.268 with two home runs and seven RBI. On June 21, Bethancourt was designated for assignment by Miami.[56] He was released by the organization on June 27.[57]

Chicago Cubs

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On July 5, 2024, Bethancourt signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[58] After seven games for the Triple–A Iowa Cubs, Bethancourt had his contract selected to the major league roster on July 26.[59][60] On August 28, 2024, Bethancourt became the sixth Cubs catcher to get 7+ RBIs in a single game.[61]

References

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  1. ^ Hernandez, Erica A. (July 3, 2014). "Bethancourt follows in his dad's steps as a catcher". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  2. ^ Ballew, Bill (October 30, 2009). "Atlanta Braves Top 10 Prospects Scouting Reports". Baseball America. Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  3. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (January 20, 2012). "Prospect Watch: Top 10 catchers". MLB.com. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c Walton, Carroll Rogers (June 24, 2014). "Bethancourt, Peraza tabbed for Futures game". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
  5. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (June 21, 2012). "Prospects pack rosters for 2012 All-Star Futures Game". MLB.com. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  6. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 11, 2012). "Catching prospect Bethancourt breaks hand". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  7. ^ Bowman, Mark (November 20, 2012). "Bethancourt among five added to Braves' 40-man". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  8. ^ Rodgers, Carroll (September 9, 2013). "Bethancourt joins Braves in Miami". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  9. ^ Bowman, Mark (May 24, 2013). "Bethancourt called up to get a taste of big leagues". MLB.com. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  10. ^ Rogers, Carroll (September 29, 2013). "Bethancourt gets first major league at-bat". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  11. ^ Hernandez, Erica (July 19, 2014). "Christian Bethancourt on Evan Gattis' looming return". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  12. ^ Odum, Charles (July 1, 2014). "Mets' struggles continue in 5–4 loss to Braves". U-T San Diego. Associated Press. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  13. ^ Dorado, Juan (July 21, 2014). "Atlanta Braves Option Christian Bethancourt to Gwinnett". MILB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  14. ^ McCartney, Cory (September 1, 2014). "Braves call up five, including Bethancourt". Fox Sports. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  15. ^ Vivlamore, Chris (September 2, 2014). "Bethancourt call-up gives Braves added flexibility". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  16. ^ a b c O'Brien, David (June 14, 2015). "Braves send struggling Bethancourt to Triple-A". Albany Herald. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  17. ^ Nesbitt, Stephen J. (July 6, 2015). "Pirates lose to Braves, 5–4, on walk-off home run". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  18. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 15, 2015). "Braves option Bethancourt, call up Lavarnway". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  19. ^ Fox Sports. "Braves demote Bethancourt to Triple-A Gwinnett, call up Lavarnway". FOX Sports.
  20. ^ Cooper, Jon (August 24, 2015). "Bethancourt recalled, will see playing time". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  21. ^ O'Brien, David (October 7, 2015). "Braves catcher Bethancourt has arthroscopic knee surgery". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  22. ^ "Braves catcher Bethancourt undergoes knee surgery to repair torn meniscus". Fox Sports. October 7, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  23. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 10, 2015). "Bethancourt traded to Padres for Kelly". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  24. ^ Sanders, Jeff (April 2, 2016). "Finally, Jabari Blash has good news to share". UT San Diego. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  25. ^ Bahr, Chris (June 14, 2016). "More evidence that the Padres' nastiest pitcher might be their backup catcher". Fox Sports. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  26. ^ Roscher, Liz (June 14, 2016). "Padres keep using catcher Christian Bethancourt as relief pitcher". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  27. ^ Center, Bill (December 28, 2016). "Bethancourt set to pitch, catch in Panama". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  28. ^ "Christian Bethancourt makes Padres roster as P/C/OF hybrid". ESPN.com. April 1, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  29. ^ Lin, Dennis (April 27, 2017). "Christian Bethancourt to continue pitching in Triple-A". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  30. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 7, 2017). "Minor League Free Agents 2017". Baseball America. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  31. ^ McCalvy, Adam (January 8, 2018). "Crew inks catcher Bethancourt to Minors deal". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  32. ^ Philipps, Shane (June 28, 2018). "Bethancourt, Orf named to 2018 PCL Triple-A All-Star Game". Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  33. ^ "Sky Sox catcher almost gives up on his dream". KRDO. July 13, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  34. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2018). "Minor league free agents 2018". Baseball America. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  35. ^ "NC Dinos sign ex-big leaguer Bethancourt". English.yonhapnews.co.kr. December 12, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  36. ^ "Slumping ball club releases two foreign players". English.yonhapnews.co.kr. July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  37. ^ "Phillies sign pair to minor-league deals". Morning Call. January 7, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  38. ^ Casella, Paul (January 7, 2020). "Minors deals: Phils ink Torreyes, Bethancourt". MLB.com. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  39. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  40. ^ "Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  41. ^ "Bethancourt reportedly signs another minor league deal with Phillies". Daily Local. December 15, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  42. ^ "Transactions 1–5–21". Star-Democrat. Associated Press. January 4, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  43. ^ McCaffery, Jack (February 16, 2022). "Odubel Herrera will receive a look in Phillies' spring-training minicamp". Times Herald. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  44. ^ Zolecki, Todd (March 28, 2021). "Phils option Kingery, Romero to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  45. ^ Crouse, Jake (May 3, 2021). "Notes: Catcher signed; Feliz returns off IL". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  46. ^ "2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". baseballamerica.com. November 9, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  47. ^ "Oakland A's put OF Stephen Piscotty on COVID-19 IL, 3 others on restricted list". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  48. ^ Kawahara, Matt (April 16, 2022). "Christian Bethancourt, in first MLB stint since 2017, makes an impact in A's win". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  49. ^ "A's trade Christian Bethancourt to Rays for outfield and pitching prospects". July 9, 2022.
  50. ^ "Bethancourt stars at plate, on mound as Rays beat Angels". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 23, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  51. ^ Berry, Adam (August 23, 2022). "The Rays' Ohtani? Bethancourt homers, hits 95 from mound". MLB.com. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  52. ^ "Rays' Christian Bethancourt: Placed on waivers". CBSSports.com. November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  53. ^ Topkin, Marc (November 6, 2023). "Rays' Jalen Beeks, Christian Bethancourt, Josh Fleming claimed on waivers". Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  54. ^ "MIAMI MARLINS ACQUIRE CATCHER CHRISTIAN BETHANCOURT FROM CLEVELAND GUARDIANS". MLB.com. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  55. ^ "Marlins get Christian Bethancourt in trade with Guardians". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  56. ^ Di Nicola, Christina (June 21, 2024). "Marlins designate Bethancourt for assignment". MLB.com. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  57. ^ "Marlins Release Christian Bethancourt". mlbtraderumors.com. June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  58. ^ Vorva, Jeff (August 2, 2024). "Christian Bethancourt's 3-run HR highlights a 5-run 2nd, fueling the Chicago Cubs to a 6-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  59. ^ Martinez, Andy (July 26, 2024). "Injury causes Cubs to shake up catching corps". Marquee Sports Network. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  60. ^ "Cubs select C Christian Bethancourt from Triple-a Iowa, place C Tomás Nido on 10-Day IL". MLB.com. July 26, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  61. ^ "For single games, Played at C, Playing for CHC, in the regular season, requiring Runs Batted In >= 7". Stathead. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
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