Overview
- Jon Heyman reported the agreement as a minor-league contract that pays $1.6 million if Bethancourt is added to the MLB roster, with an expected invitation to major-league spring camp.
- Bethancourt, 34, last appeared for Chicago in 2024, producing a .281/.305/.509 line with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 24 games, highlighted by a seven-RBI outing against the Pirates.
- He spent 2025 at Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays system and struggled at the plate, hitting .173/.219/.332 across 58 games without a call-up.
- Team outlets frame the deal as stashable depth for Triple-A Iowa that costs only a minor-league salary unless he reaches the majors.
- The addition is viewed as reducing the likelihood of a Reese McGuire return and aligns with Chicago’s cautious, low-risk offseason posture.