The Miami Marlins have designated catcher Christian Bethancourt for assignment after acquiring him this past offseason. In his place, they have called up catcher Ali Sanchez from Triple-A Jacksonville. Bethancourt is in his 11th season in the majors (first with the Marlins). He was acquired by the Fish in the offseason from the Cleveland Guardians. At the time, it seemed that Bethancourt was the biggest off-season acquisition for the Marlins. Unfortunately, he has not held up to this standard and due to his disastrous experience at the plate this season, Miami opted to DFA Christian Bethancourt.
#Marlins are designating for assignment catcher Christian Bethancourt.
Miami recently acquired Ali Sánchez from the Cubs for cash. He’s likely the guy to step in Bethancourt’s place.
Bethancourt was acquired from Cleveland for cash in December.
— Christina De Nicola (@CDeNicola13) June 21, 2024
Marlins DFA Catcher Christian Bethancourt
The Marlins acquired Bethancourt, 32, during the offseason in exchange for cash considerations with the Guardians. For the prior two seasons, he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. During the 2023 season, he played in 101 games and posted a .225 average, with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. While his offense might not have been particularly appealing, his defense made up for it. Last season he had an above-league-average caught-stealing percentage with 23%. In addition, he had a .995 fielding percentage. Understandably, the Marlins had high hopes that he would come in and help improve the team, especially in the catching position.
These results would not carry on to Bethancourt’s first season in Miami. He started the season with a disastrous time at the plate, starting the season 0-for-33. So far in 38 games, he has slashed .159/.198/.268 over 88 plate appearances. He has struck out 22 times and only managed two home runs. Not only has Bethancourt struggled offensively, but so has fellow catcher Nick Fortes. Joining them are a few appearances by catcher Jhonny Pereda. Their struggles landed them an MLB-worst .155/.192/.237 slash for catchers. This highlights a time in Miami with very offensively unreliable catchers since their All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Marlins Call Up Catcher Ali Sanchez
To fill Christian Bethancourt’s spot in the roster, the Marlins have called up catcher Ali Sanchez from Triple-A Jacksonville. Sanchez, 27, has been in the minor league system for 10 years and is likely to be soon making his major-league debut. During 2023, he played in 67 games and slashed .311/.375/.492 with 11 home runs and 74 hits. Hopefully, he can come in and provide some more offensive action for the Marlins.
Photo Credit: © Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
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