This offseason, the Minnesota Twins made two trades involving catchers, acquiring Mickey Gasper for relief pitcher Jovani Morán on Christmas Eve and acquiring former top Dodgers prospect Diego Cartaya for minor league pitcher Jose Vasquez last week.
While Ryan Jeffers will be the Twin's primary catcher next season, which brings about this question: What will the Twins do with Christian Vázquez?
While he remains a plus defender behind home plate, Vázquez is a black hole on offense. Vázquez failed to produce an OPS+ over 70 in two seasons with the Twins and has hit .222/.265/.322. Because of his poor offensive game, Vázquez has accumulated -0.5 bWAR in Minnesota.
Vázquez is entering the last year of his three-year, $30 million contract with the Twins. With one year left, the Twins might trade him before Opening Day. Here are three teams the Twins should consider:
San Diego Padres
When Kyle Higashoka signed with the Texas Rangers, it was a missed opportunity for the Twins to trade Vazquez to Texas. However, a potential new trade partner opened up in San Diego. Luis Campusano was considered the future at their catcher, but he has produced a mere -0.2 bWAR in five seasons with the Padres. His current backup, Brett Sullivan, appeared in only seven games with the Padres last season.
The Padres have a significant need for a catcher, especially if they miss out on free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Boston Red Sox
Another team that needs catching help is Vazquez's former team. Connor Wong was a productive offensive catcher last year, hitting .280/.333/.425 with an OPS+ of 110 in 126 games. His defense, however, is another story. According to Eno Sarris, Wong's defensive runs saved and framing was among the worst in the major leagues.
With defense an issue behind the plate, the Red Sox might consider a plus-defender as a backup as Wong improves next season.
New York Yankees
Despite being replaced in the World Series by Jose Trevino, Austin Wells had a stellar first season in the Bronx, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Wells will be the Yankees' everyday catcher in 2025, but Trevino was traded to the Cincinnati Reds this offseason.
With no backup catcher, could the Twins swing a deal to shed $10 million dollars off their payroll with the Yankees?