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The Padres and Braves are close to completing a deal that would send Christian Bethancourt to San Diego, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal adds the two sides are working on "final details."
Source: #Padres close to acquiring Bethancourt from #Braves. Working through final details. @Joelsherman1 on this.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2015
Joel Sherman of The New York Post was the first to report a deal was coming together Thursday. ESPN's Jayson Stark noted the Braves were open to moving Bethancourt after signing A.J. Pierzynski and Tyler Flowers.
Bethancourt, 24, has had a difficulty producing offensively at the major league level. Over 48 games last season, Bethancourt batted .200/.225/.290 to complement a pair of home runs and 12 RBIs. He was once considered one of the top prospects in the game but has also been plagued by passed balls.
In Triple-A, Bethancourt has been able to produce more consistently. Over 52 minor league contests in 2015, he batted .327/.359/.480.
Derek Norris and Austin Hedges could both see time behind the plate in 2016 and the addition of Bethancourt would give the organization catching depth. If a deal gets done, Bethancourt would likely make the Padres' roster since he is out of options.