The Braves once viewed Christian Bethancourt as their future behind home plate. Now he too has been traded away by the organization.
Bethancourt, 24, was once the top prospect in the Braves organization but his inability to hit has led to his exit. He was traded to the Padres on Thursday for pitcher Casey Kelly and catcher Ricardo Rodriguez.
The Braves re-signed A.J. Pierzynski earlier this offseason and will be the teams primary catcher this season.
In 48 games last season Bethancourt hit .200/.225/.290 with two home runs and 12 RBI. His numbers at Triple-A were a little more promising as he hit .327/.359/.480 with four home runs with 31 RBI in 52 games.
The Padres have a crowded catching depth chart so expect Derek Norris or Austin Hedges to be traded at some point.
