In all likelihood, Ryan Jeffers, who is on an expiring contract, will be on a different team next season. Minnesota could consider re-signing the backstop, but it seems more likely he will find a more lucrative deal elsewhere. The Twins might also extend Jeffers the qualifying offer, but he would likely reject it to sign a long-term deal with a different team. However, with the looming lockout, Jeffers may accept the offer due to the uncertainty that lies ahead.
For this article, let's just assume the most likely outcome: Jeffers will be with a different team in 2027. In that case, who takes over as the starting catcher?
For now, it appears Victor Caratini is the top candidate to be Minnesota's starting catcher in 2027. Minnesota signed Caratini, 33, to a two-year, $14 million contract this past offseason. In his first year with the Twins, Caratini has slashed a poor .221/.315/.318 (82 wRC+) over 101 games. He has mostly been a solid defender, with his only real weakness behind the plate being his inability to control the run game. He has also excelled at utilizing the ABS Challenge system.
Meanwhile, Alex Jackson could be the Twins' backup catcher in 2027. Since being acquired by the Twins from the Baltimore Orioles last offseason, Jackson has been designated for assignment twice. Luckily, he cleared waivers both times, allowing Minnesota to keep the backstop in the organization.
Jackson has posted strong numbers with Minnesota, slashing .309/.347/.412 with one homer and five RBI over 72 plate appearances. While the underlying metrics suggest he's due for regression, he seems like a solid backup catcher option for Minnesota next year.
Twins shouldn't sign a catcher to a long-term deal this offseason
Obviously, the Twins would be much better if they re-signed Jeffers or acquired a different catcher who has performed better than Caratini lately. However, the Twins have an extremely promising catching prospect, Vahn Lackey, who could be ready for the majors in 2028, if not late 2027. Based on that, it wouldn't make sense for the Twins to acquire a top MLB catcher. Not to mention, the Twins also have four other solid catching prospects: Eduardo Tait, Carson Tinney, Khadim Diaw and Enrique Jimenez.
Honestly, the Twins should hope that Jeffers accepts the qualifying offer. While it would be a steep price for the Twins to pay for one year (MLB Trade Rumors projects $23.1 million), it would likely be more than worth it. And the Twins are out of the postseason race near the 2027 trade deadline, they could flip Jeffers for prospects.
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