Minnesota Twins fans were puzzled when FanSided's Robert Murray broke the news that their favorite team signed catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million contract. Caratini is a solid backup catcher, slashing .259/.324/.404 (101 OPS+) in 114 games with the Houston Astros last year, while being among the league's best at blocking balls in the dirt. He struggled with framing last season, but the newly implemented ABS Challenge System should make good framing less valuable.
Victor Caratini signing confuses Twins fans given the Alex Jackson acquisition
The reason Twins fans were confused by the signing is that it was presumed that Alex Jackson would be the team's backup catcher in 2026. Minnesota acquired Jackson, who hit .220/.290/.473 (111 OPS+) with five homers and eight RBI in 100 MLB plate appearances last season, from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for infield prospect Payton Eeles in November, and recently agreed to pay him $1.35 million for 2026.
Caratini, 32, has a lot more MLB experience than Jackson and should be a better backup than the former Oriole. The ex-Astro can also serve as a first baseman and designated hitter when needed. Still, the Caratini signing was unexpected, as the Twins are operating on a tight budget, so most fans likely assumed Minnesota wouldn't want to pay three catchers MLB contracts.
Does the Victor Caratini signing mean Ryan Jeffers' time as a Twin is almost over?
Some may speculate that the Caratini signing means the Twins plan to trade starting catcher Ryan Jeffers before the 2026 season begins. However, it wouldn't make much sense for Minnesota to deal Jeffers, who has posted an OPS+ above 100 in each of the last three seasons, and keep Joe Ryan, Pablo López and Byron Buxton. Derek Falvey has made it clear he plans to keep those three stars, and moving Jeffers would just make the team worse, as he has been one of the Twins' most counted-on hitters at a premier position over the past three seasons. Caratini is a solid catcher, but he shouldn't be the starting backstop for a team with postseason aspirations.
Jeffers is a free agent after this season, though, meaning he'll likely be moved at the trade deadline if Minnesota is in a bad spot in the standings. The Twins should attempt to extend Jeffers for a few years to ensure the catcher position is locked down until top prospects Eduardo Tait and Enrique Jimenez are ready for the big leagues. However, Jeffers likely could receive more money from a different team in free agency, as there aren't too many above-average-hitting catchers in the league.
By locking down Caratini through 2027, the Twins can at least be confident they will have an established backstop for the next two seasons, even if Jeffers is traded or leaves in free agency. But if Caratini is the Twins' primary catcher, they most likely won't be in playoff contention.
In addition to adding Caratini and Jackson, the Twins have added first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell, corner infielder/left fielder Eric Wagaman, righty reliever Eric Orze and utilitymen Orlando Arcia and Vidal Bruján. All of those players have the chance to make Minnesota better.
Twins must bolster bullpen following Victor Caratini addition
The Twins cannot be done making offseason moves if they want to make the playoffs in 2026. Now that they've added plenty of position player depth, they should add one or two more relievers. Adding Orze was a good start, but the bullpen has many questions after Minnesota dealt five key relievers at last season's trade deadline.
As of now, Orze, Justin Topa, Kody Funderkburk and Cole Sands are the only relievers we can confidently say will be on the Opening Day roster, barring injuries. Internal options, such as David Festa, Marco Raya and others, will likely be part of the 2026 bullpen. Still, adding one or two veteran relievers should be the Twins' top priority at this point in the offseason.