Miami Marlins Acquire New Catcher in Deal with Cleveland Guardians

After being claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians earlier in the offseason, catcher Christian Bethancourt is on the move again - this time to Miami.

He's been traded to the Marlins for cash considerations.

Per Marlins' Insider Daniel Alvarez-Montes on social media:

#Marlins are acquiring C Christian Bethancourt from the #Guardians, sources tell @ElExtrabase.

Bethancourt, 32, has seven years of MLB experience. Has one of the best arms for a catcher in the league.

#Marlins are acquiring C Christian Bethancourt from the #Guardians, sources tell @ElExtrabase. Bethancourt, 32, has seven years of MLB experience. Has one of the best arms for a catcher in the league.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) December 10, 2023

The 32-year-old native of Panama played 104 games for the Rays this past year, serving as a critical part of a roster that won 99 games and got to the playoffs yet again. He hit .225 with 11 homers and 33 RBI. He posted a .254 on-base percentage.

In those seven years, he's been with the Braves, Padres, A's and Rays. He's had an interesting career arc, having debuted with Atlanta in 2013. He appeared in a major league game each year from 2013-2017 and then didn't appear in one again until 2022 with Oakland.

Lifetime, he's a .231 hitter with 30 homers and 113 RBI.

Alvarez-Montes also had this point about his acquisition:

Something to consider on the Bethancourt trade: He's bilingual, and could have better communication with young pitchers like Eury and Edward, which is significant.

It doesn't mean they couldn't communicate properly with Fortes/Stallings, but it can certainly make a difference.

Something to consider on the Bethancourt trade: He's bilingual, and could have better communication with young pitchers like Eury and Edward, which is significant. It doesn't mean they couldn't communicate properly with Fortes/Stallings, but it can certainly make a difference.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) December 11, 2023

Alvarez-Montes is referring to Eury Perez and Edward Cabrera, two of the Marlins' young arms.

As of now, Nick Fortes and Bethancourt are the only catchers on the roster, so there should be a chance for Bethancourt to contribute in 2024.

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