Pirates Acquire Bethancourt as Blue Jays Promote Cellucci
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a trade on August 19, acquiring catcher Christian Bethancourt from the New York Yankees amid injury challenges. The deal involved a cash exchange, and it is noted that players can still be traded after the deadline, although they are not eligible for postseason play.
Bethancourt, 34, has hit 14 home runs this season while playing for Iowa and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has not appeared in the major leagues since 2024 and has moved between the Cubs and Yankees organizations this year. In addition, the Blue Jays promoted left-handed pitcher Brendan Cellucci, who has recorded 48 strikeouts in 45.2 innings across Double-A and Triple-A this season.
Other notable transactions included the Nationals selecting left-hander Erik Tolman and the Mariners bringing back Jhonathan Diaz from Triple-A. The Rockies also selected Mark Manfredi from Triple-A Albuquerque. Several players were released or designated for assignment, while others were recalled or optioned to the minors.
