Minnesota Twins, catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini agree to two-year deal
The Twins have signed catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini to a two-year contract, according to FanSided's Robert Murray. He'll receive $14 million, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Twins have yet to announce a corresponding move, which is necessary since their 40-man roster is full.
It's a bit of a surprising move for the Twins, as they have already agreed to pay catcher Alex Jackson $1.35 million next season, and Ryan Jeffers, who will get paid $6.7 million in 2026, is expected to be Minnesota's starting catcher.
Caratini appeared in 114 games for the Houston Astros last season, slashing .259/.324/.404 (101 OPS+) while logging 4 Blocks Above Average (72nd percentile) and -4 Caught Stealing Above Average (10th percentile) as a below-average pitch framer. However, he was among the best pitch framers in the league during the two seasons prior. Regardless, pitch framing will be less valuable next season with the addition of the ABS Challenge System.
The veteran catcher has played in parts of nine MLB seasons, spending time with the Astros, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. He has accumulated 4.5 bWAR with a 90 OPS+ throughout his career.
Caratini, 32, began his career with the Cubs in 2017. He slashed .250/.327/.372 (85 OPS+) in 677 plate appearances with Chicago before being dealt to the Padres as part of the Yu Darvish trade in the 2020-21 offseason. He played in 116 games for the Padres in 2021, slashing .227/.309/.323 (78 OPS+) in 356 plate appearances.
The Padres traded Caratini to the Brewers on April 6, 2022. He hit .224/.312/.359 (87 OPS+) in 157 games across two seasons with the Brewers before signing a two-year deal with the Astros. He had the best season of his career with Houston in 2024, posting 1.3 bWAR and a .269/.336/.408 (111 OPS+) slash line in just 87 games.
Could Twins' Victor Caratini signing signal a Ryan Jeffers trade?
It's easy to speculate that the Caratini signing could lead to a Jeffers trade. However, that's unlikely to occur, as Caratini is more suited to be a backup catcher who can also serve as a first baseman and designated hitter. The Twins may just begin the 2026 season with three catchers or look to drop Jackson.
The Twins should still attempt to extend Jeffers for a few years. As an experienced backup catcher, Caratini improves Minnesota's roster, but the Twins would be making a huge mistake if they plan to have Caratini be the starting catcher next season or in 2027. Eduardo Tait and Enrique Jimenez are exciting catching prospects in the Twins organization, but the two likely won't be in the majors for a while.