The Blue Jays signed Bethancourt to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt joins the competition to serve as Toronto's backup catcher behind starter Alejandro Kirk. The 33-year-old had an .814 OPS in 24 games for the Cubs in 2024 after the Marlins cut him loose, but between the two stops managed just a .608 OPS.

Bethancourt elected free agency Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs cleared some space on their 40-man roster and Bethancourt has decided to hit free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. Bethancourt finished the 2024 season strong with an .814 OPS in 24 games with the Cubs, but that was after he had a .466 OPS in 38 contests with the Marlins.

Bethancourt went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt has hit safely in his last five games, going 7-for-17 (.412) with 10 RBI and two steals in that span. A seven-RBI game last Wednesday versus the Pirates has fueled much of his recent success. The backup catcher is now at a .224/.262/.414 slash line with three steals, five home runs, 22 RBI and 18 runs scored over 51 contests between the Cubs and the Marlins this season.

Bethancourt drove in seven runs in Wednesday's comeback win over the Pirates, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, a stolen base and three runs scored.

EDGE Analysis

Facing a 10-3 deficit in the seventh inning, Bethancourt slugged a two-run home run off Kyle Nicolas before driving in two more runs on an eighth-inning double to cut the lead to three. With the Cubs trailing 10-9 in the ninth inning, it was none other than Bethancourt who drove in two runs on an RBI single to give the Cubs an 11-10 lead, completing the improbable comeback. The 32-year-old Bethancourt has been highly productive since being acquired by the Cubs in late July, batting .407 with three home runs, eight runs scored and 15 RBI in just 29 plate appearances (11 games) as the Cubs backup catcher behind Miguel Amaya. Bethancourt has certainly made a strong case for more playing time behind the plate, but his career .622 OPS indicates regression could be coming for the veteran.

Bethancourt went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 8-2 loss to the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt's fifth inning home run, his fourth of the season, provided all of Chicago's offense. The 32-year-old continues to serve as the backup to Miguel Amaya behind the plate, giving him limited upside in the short term. Neither catcher has been great offensively, however, as Bethancourt is sporting a .196 average and .614 OPS, compared to a .212 average and .584 OPS for Amaya.

Bethancourt went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-3 win over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt provided a key blast against new St. Louis starter Erick Fedde, which proved to be the difference in the game. It was just the third home run of the season for Bethancourt, who is batting .183 with a .547 OPS while playing for both the Marlins and now the Cubs. However, in four games since having his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa, the catcher has gone 4-for-11 with two extra-base hits and four RBI. Bethancourt will likely slow down at some point, and his fantasy appeal is limited by his timeshare with Miguel Amaya behind the plate.

The Cubs selected Bethancourt's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt will absorb the roster spot vacated by Tomas Nido (knee) and could share catching duties with Miguel Amaya while Nido recuperates. The 32-year-old slashed just .159/.198/.268 across 88 plate appearances with the Marlins earlier this season.

Bethancourt signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt was cut by Miami on June 27 after he slashed just .159/.198/.268 across 88 plate appearances. The 32-year-old will now attempt to get back on track with Triple-A Iowa, but it would likely take a drastic turnaround for the Cubs to consider adding Bethancourt to their big-league roster.

The Marlins released Bethancourt on June 27.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt had been outrighted off the 40-man roster after clearing waivers but has now been cut loose. The owner of a career .226/.257/.355 batting line over parts of eight seasons, Bethancourt might have to settle for a minor-league contract with his new organization.

The Marlins outrighted Bethancourt to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Bethancourt cleared waivers after exiting the Marlins' 40-man roster a week ago. The catcher can elect free agency if he wants, and it's not yet clear whether he'll take that option or accept the outright assignment.