2 former Rays sign minor league deals with division rival Blue Jays

Sep 2, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Christian Bethancourt (14) celebrates with third base coach Brady Williams (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Sep 2, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Christian Bethancourt (14) celebrates with third base coach Brady Williams (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed two former Rays to minor league contracts recently. Former Rays backstop, Christian Bethancourt and left-handed reliever, Richard Lovelady have joined the rival organization. It's not confirmed whether or not these players will be invited to spring training, but it is certain that both of them could compete for a role next year, even if it's an insignificant one.

In a previous article, we predicted where the Rays remaining free agents would sign. We speculated that Lovelady would sign with the Nationals on a minor league deal. Well, we were right about the minor league part. However, the 29-year old inked a contract with an AL East foe in the Blue Jays. This acquisition makes sense as well because the Toronto club is also in need of bullpen help, even after signing 2024 All-Star Jeff Hoffman.

Despite the talented addition, they still need more pieces to compete with the depth of the other AL East bullpens. The signing of Richard Lovelady may not solve this problem, but it could be a step in the right direction.

Christian Bethancourt, on the other hand, is less likely to scratch the Opening Day roster due to the nature of the position and the fact that only one or two catchers are required on an MLB roster. Although, Rays fans can attest to the potential of the 33-year old catcher from Panama.

In 2023 with the Rays, Bethancourt slashed .225/.254/.381 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs. Those stats aren't terrible for a catcher with just over 100 games played, but they definitely don't blow you away either.

Last year, the veteran catcher appeared on two different rosters as the Marlins traded him to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline. In his short stint with the Cubs, Bethancourt hit .281 with seven extra-base hits and 15 RBIs. Therefore, there may be a possibility that the right-handed slugger exceeds expectations and climbs to a backup role on Toronto's roster.

The current backup is 33-year old switch-hitter Tyler Heineman, who has struggled on the offensive side in recent years. I'm sure there will be a job to win in spring training between these two players and it would be fun to see the former Ray in the inter-divisional games next year.

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