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The Chicago Cubs have added depth at a key position on the diamond by bringing back an old friend.
On Monday, they signed free agent catcher Christian Bethancourt to a contract, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Bethancourt is 34 years old now.
His last MLB action actually came with the Cubs in 2024. He played in 24 games for the Cubbies and batted .281 in the small sample size with an .814 OPS.
His bat hasn't always been that good, though, and the Cubs didn't bring him back.
Instead, the Blue Jays signed Bethancourt for 2025. He spent the entire season at Triple-A Buffalo, and he batted just .173 there.
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Bethancourt has traveled a fascinating baseball career.
Once upon a time, he was a highly rated prospect for the Atlanta Braves, known most of all for his defense behind the plate but also with an intriguing bat.
He had a stint when he tried to turn himself entirely into a relief pitcher.
Eventually, Bethancourt left the mound and returned behind the plate.
Clearly, he's thought well enough of that he keeps getting opportunities, even if they aren't the most major ones.
Now, he just has to try and make the most of this latest chance and push for an MLB spot with the Cubs.
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