The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract with catcher and first baseman Victor Caratini, pending a physical examination. The 32-year-old switch-hitter joins the team after two seasons with the Houston Astros. This move adds left-handed versatility to the Twins' lineup behind the plate and at first base.
On Friday, the Minnesota Twins bolstered their catching corps by reaching an agreement on a two-year contract worth $14 million with Victor Caratini, according to a source who spoke to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal remains pending a physical, and the club has not yet confirmed it officially.
Caratini, aged 32, brings experience from his recent stints with the Houston Astros, where he played catcher, first base, and designated hitter over the past two years. In the 2023 season, he posted a .259 batting average with a .324 on-base percentage and .404 slugging percentage, including a career-high 12 home runs.
The Twins currently feature Ryan Jeffers as their primary catcher, a right-handed hitter signed through 2027. Jeffers has been rumored as a potential trade candidate. Alex Jackson, another right-handed option out of minor-league options, was previously viewed as the main backup. Caratini, however, offers a switch-hitting advantage, having proven more effective batting from the left side throughout his career.
This signing provides the Twins with a seasoned backup at catcher, surpassing Jackson in major-league experience and offensive reliability. Additionally, Caratini's versatility extends to first base and designated hitter roles, aiding a team exploring various lineup configurations during spring training.
