Minnesota Twins Sign Catcher Victor Caratini to Two-Year Deal

The Minnesota Twins made a notable move to solidify their catching situation, signing veteran Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million contract.

This deal adds offensive depth, positional flexibility, and some long-term planning to a roster that tries to balance contention with future readiness.

Let’s take a closer look at what Caratini brings to Minnesota and why this signing really matters.

Twins Add Veteran Stability Behind the Plate

The Twins’ decision to sign Victor Caratini shows a front office focused on depth and adaptability.

Caratini, now 32, heads to Minnesota after a productive season with the Houston Astros, where he quietly put up some of the best numbers of his career.

He batted .259 in 2025, setting career highs in home runs (12), RBIs (46), and plate appearances (386).

Those numbers might not turn heads, but for a catcher who fills multiple roles, they offer meaningful value over a long season.

A Versatile Offensive Contributor

Caratini’s versatility is one of his biggest assets.

He caught 49 games last season, played first base in 15, and served as designated hitter in 30 games.

That flexibility lets the Twins keep his bat in the lineup without overworking him behind the plate.

As a switch-hitter, Caratini brings a bit of balance to a lineup that often leans on platoon advantages.

He hit .268 against right-handed pitching in 2025, though his average dropped to .208 against lefties.

Those splits fit right into Minnesota’s roster construction plans.

A Strategic Platoon Fit With Ryan Jeffers

The Twins see Caratini as a complementary piece to incumbent catcher Ryan Jeffers.

Jeffers, a right-handed hitter, has thrived against left-handed pitching, batting .313 in those matchups, and .248 against righties.

Together, they form a natural platoon that could maximize production at a traditionally defense-first position.

Why the Platoon Makes Sense

Pairing Caratini with Jeffers gives manager Rocco Baldelli a chance to play favorable matchups without losing offense.

It also helps reduce wear and tear on both catchers through a 162-game schedule.

• Caratini vs. right-handers: .268 average
• Jeffers vs. left-handers: .313 average
• Defensive workload: Shared catching duties improve durability

Planning Ahead for the Post-Jeffers Era

Looking past 2025, this signing has long-term implications.

Jeffers is projected to be eligible for free agency after the 2026 season, which creates some uncertainty at catcher.

By locking in Caratini for two years, the Twins give themselves insurance and flexibility.

If Jeffers is extended, traded, or allowed to walk, Minnesota still has a veteran who can handle a larger role if needed.

Additional Depth With Alex Jackson

The Twins also acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the Baltimore Orioles, adding another layer of organizational depth.

Jackson probably won’t factor in at the major-league level right away, but his presence gives the team coverage in case of injuries or underperformance.

This multi-pronged approach shows just how seriously the Twins are taking their catching depth for the next couple of seasons.

Caratini’s Career in Perspective

Caratini signed a two-year, $12 million deal with Houston back in 2023. This new contract gives him a slight pay bump, which feels fair considering his steady production.

He’s played nine seasons in the majors with the Cubs, Padres, Brewers, and Astros. His career numbers: a .244 batting average, 58 home runs, and 247 RBIs.

He’s never really been a star, but he’s built a reputation as a dependable, switch-hitting catcher. That kind of reliability? The Twins might value it just as much as flashy potential.

Fansided first reported the deal. ESPN later confirmed the signing, citing information from The Associated Press.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Source: Twins add catcher Caratini on 2-year deal