The Miami Marlins are looking to continue their 2023 success during the 2024 season and with that they have gained a new face that will compete to win a spot on the roster and as the team’s catcher. Christian Betancourt, a seven-year veteran, was released by Tampa Bay and acquired off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians before heading to Miami via trade after the Marlins acquired the catcher from Cleveland for cash considerations. During the 2023 season with Tampa Bay, Bethancourt drew numbers that include 11 homeruns in 315 at bats with 33 runs batted in while batting for a .225 average.
While preparing to report for pitchers and catchers camp in Jupiter, Bethancourt is representing his country Panama in the Caribbean Series taking place in his soon to be home stadium in Miami, loanDepot Park. During the yearly event, Bethancourt has showed maturity behind the plate, posing as a clubhouse leader helping the Panamanian team lead the standings and move into the semi-finals. “I am very happy and excited to be a part of the Marlins, a team that has done things very well including going to the post-season last year. They are a very competitive team filled with Latin talent.” expressed Christian Bethancourt.
During his time in professional baseball, Bethancourt has been steady behind the plate but at one point he decided to make the transition to the mound becoming a pitcher a move that he did not continue to move forward with and decided to head back behind the plate. When asked about this part of his journey he answered; “I think the key for me up to this point has been to remain patient. I have learned how to wait for things to come to me and not try to rush anything.”
Pitchers and catchers are set to report to Jupiter on Thursday, February 15th. This will be the chance for the catcher to begin winning a spot on the roster and perhaps the starting role behind the plate. “For every baseball player the goal is always to be a starter, but that all depends on the job, dedication and the effort that we put forth. In my mind, it is my plan to win the starting position.” expressed Bethancourt. “I am the new guy on the team but my message to all Marlins fans is that we have a very good team that needs the support of the fanbase, and we hope to see them out at the ballpark.” concluded Bethancourt.