The Diego Cartaya experiment has come to an end for the Minnesota Twins' organization. One day after the Twins claimed catcher Jhonny Pereda off waivers from the Athletics, the team announced on Wednesday that former Dodgers' prize catching prospect, Diego Cartaya, has been released from the organization.
Cartaya was the top prospect for the Dodgers entering the 2023 season. Offensive regression prevented him from reaching the Major League level in Los Angeles. Once it became clear that Cartaya's future with the Dodgers was all but over, the Twins stepped in and traded for the former top prospect this past offseason.
As was the case during his time in the Dodgers' organization, Cartaya had very little success at the Triple-A level this season. Through 69 plate appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, Cartaya was slashing .085/.217/.136.
Considering the struggles that Christian Vázquez has had this season with the Twins, chances are that had Cartaya shown any form of offensive competency in the minors this season, he would have finally landed his chance at the Major League level. Now, after continued struggles, Cartaya may be fading quickly out of Major League Baseball.
Twins end experiment with ex-phenom fans barely recognize now
There is a lesson to be learned when it comes to top prospects like Cartaya. Holding onto prospects too long can come back to sting a front office. There was a time when the Dodgers could have traded Cartaya as part of a blockbuster deal; instead, all it cost the Twins was a low-level pitching prospect in Jose Vasquez.
It was a worthwhile gamble for the Twins, hoping that a change-of-scenery would allow Cartaya a new opportunity. Instead, it was only more confirmation that the Dodgers waited too long before giving up on their former top prospect.
With Cartaya's departure from the Twins' organization, Pereda likely becomes the next catcher up for the Twins in the event of an injury to Vázquez or Ryan Jeffers. Pereda had 3 hits in 46 plate appearances with the Athletics before being claimed by the Twins on Tuesday.