Milwaukee Brewers sign Christian Bethancourt to minor league deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have made an interesting acquisition, inking catcher/relief pitcher Christian Bethancourt to a minor league deal.

Before Shohei Ohtani or Brendan McKay came to be professional baseball players in the United States, there was already a two way player. The San Diego Padres had attempted to turn former catcher Christian Bethancourt into a reliever and outfielder, seeking to maximize his strong throwing arm. Unfortunately, that experiment did not work, as Bethancourt posted a 10.13 ERA and a 3.818 WHiP in his 5.1 career innings, plagued by an unsightly eleven walks. He continued to struggle as a pitcher in the minors, leading to the Padres allowing Bethancourt to reach free agency.

For now, it appears as though the Great Two Way Experiment with Bethancourt is over. He has signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. It is also notable that the Brewers strictly list Bethancourt as a catcher, perhaps indicating that his time on the mound has come to an end.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

It is an interesting move for the Brewers. Milwaukee currently has four catchers on the 40 man roster, with veteran Stephen Vogt and 2017 breakout Manny Pina the favorites to be in the majors come the start of the 2018 season. Andrew Susac and Jett Bandy are also on the 40 man, making it unlikely that Bethancourt will find himself with a major league role this season.

A strong defensive catcher, his ability with the bat in the minors has yet to translate to the majors. In his 489 major league plate appearances, Bethancourt has produced a .222/.252/.316 batting line, hitting eight homers and 20 doubles. It is easy to see why his arm is considered to be his best asset.

Perhaps getting a new start with a different franchise will help. Bethancourt will be able to focus on getting himself ready behind the plate, instead of worrying about becoming a pitcher. Maybe a different voice, and a lot less pressure, will let Bethancourt come closer to being the player he was in the minors.

Next: Brewers Mount Rushmore

The Milwaukee Brewers made an interesting signing with Christian Bethancourt. Maybe now he will tap into his potential.