The Minnesota Twins made a move that turned some heads this week, signing veteran catcher and first baseman Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million deal. On the surface, it’s a solid addition-Caratini brings experience, versatility, and a steady bat. But for Twins fans, the timing and context of the move raised some valid questions.
Let’s break it down.
Caratini’s Value: A Reliable, Versatile Backstop
Caratini is coming off a productive year with the Astros, where he slashed .259/.324/.404 with a 101 OPS+ over 114 games. That’s right around league average offensively, which is more than you can say for a lot of backup catchers. He’s also one of the better catchers in the league when it comes to blocking balls in the dirt-a skill that doesn’t always get headlines but can save runs and win games in tight spots.
His framing numbers dipped last season, but with the ABS Challenge System now in play, framing is becoming less of a premium skill than it used to be. That shift makes Caratini’s strengths-defensive reliability, switch-hitting ability, and positional flexibility-even more valuable in today’s game.
But Wait-Wasn’t Alex Jackson the Backup Plan?
Here’s where the confusion comes in. Just a couple of months ago, the Twins traded for catcher Alex Jackson, sending infield prospect Payton Eeles to the Orioles.
Jackson, who posted a .220/.290/.473 line with five homers and a 111 OPS+ in limited action last season, looked like a decent bet to back up Ryan Jeffers in 2026. Minnesota even agreed to pay him $1.35 million for the year-a clear sign they saw him as more than just minor league depth.
So why bring in another catcher on a multi-year deal?
The answer might be as simple as this: Caratini is more proven. At 32, he’s logged years of experience handling big-league pitching staffs and can also fill in at first base or DH when needed.
That kind of versatility is gold for a team trying to stretch every dollar. But given the Twins’ tight payroll situation, carrying three catchers on MLB contracts is a bit of a surprise.
What Does This Mean for Ryan Jeffers?
Naturally, the Caratini signing sparked speculation about Ryan Jeffers’ future in Minnesota. But let’s pump the brakes a bit.
Jeffers has been one of the Twins’ most consistent offensive performers over the last three seasons, posting an OPS+ north of 100 each year. That kind of production from the catcher spot is rare, and it’s a big reason why Minnesota has stayed competitive.
Trading Jeffers now-especially while keeping core pieces like Joe Ryan, Pablo López, and Byron Buxton-would be a head-scratcher. It would weaken the team at a premium position without a clear upgrade in sight.
That said, Jeffers is entering the final year of his contract. If the Twins fall out of the playoff race by midseason, he becomes a prime trade chip at the deadline.
Ideally, Minnesota would lock him up with a short-term extension, bridging the gap until top prospects Eduardo Tait and Enrique Jimenez are ready to take over. But that’s easier said than done.
Catchers who can hit don’t come cheap, and Jeffers could fetch a bigger payday on the open market.
By signing Caratini through 2027, the Twins are giving themselves insurance. If Jeffers walks or gets moved, they’ll still have a capable veteran to hold things down behind the plate.
But let’s be clear-if Caratini becomes the everyday catcher, the ceiling for this team drops. He’s a strong backup, not a frontline starter for a playoff contender.
Roster Moves Continue: Depth Across the Diamond
Caratini isn’t the only new face in Minnesota. The Twins have also brought in Josh Bell to help at first base and DH, added corner infielder and left fielder Eric Wagaman, signed reliever Eric Orze, and picked up versatile infielders Orlando Arcia and Vidal Bruján. None of these moves are splashy, but they do add depth and flexibility-two things every team needs over a 162-game grind.
Bell, in particular, could be a key piece if he bounces back offensively. And Arcia and Bruján offer defensive versatility that manager Rocco Baldelli can use to mix and match lineups.
The Bullpen Still Needs Help
The position player side of the roster is starting to take shape, but the bullpen remains a work in progress. After dealing away five key relievers at last year’s trade deadline, the Twins are left with more questions than answers in the late innings.
Right now, Eric Orze, Justin Topa, Kody Funderburk, and Cole Sands look like the most likely arms to break camp with the big-league club. That’s a start, but it’s not enough. Internal options like David Festa and Marco Raya could step up, but counting on unproven arms to carry the bullpen is a risky game.
Minnesota needs to add at least one or two veteran relievers before Opening Day. Someone who’s been through the fire, who can take the ball in high-leverage spots and help stabilize the back end. That’s the next step if the Twins want to stay in the postseason conversation.
The Bottom Line
Victor Caratini’s signing may have surprised some fans, but it’s a move that gives the Twins flexibility and depth at a critical position. Whether it signals a bigger shift-like a potential trade involving Ryan Jeffers-remains to be seen. For now, Minnesota has shored up its catching corps, added some useful bats and gloves, and taken the first steps toward building a competitive 2026 roster.
But if they want to make real noise in the AL Central, the bullpen can’t be an afterthought. That’s where the front office’s attention needs to turn next.