Minnesota Twins Sign Victor Caratini, Adding Catcher Depth

This article takes a hard look at the Minnesota Twins’ offseason moves. Despite what the front office says about staying competitive, it sure seems like they’re prioritizing flexibility over pushing all their chips in.

Let’s dig into the team’s public statements, new signings, and the way MLB teams operate these days. Are the Twins truly trying to win right now, or are they just hedging their bets for future trades?

The Public Message vs. the Private Strategy

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey keeps telling everyone Minnesota isn’t rebuilding. He talks about adding talent and keeping the roster competitive, which obviously sounds good to fans and keeps the pressure down.

But after covering baseball for over thirty years, I’ve seen this kind of thing before. Around the league, teams often talk a big game while quietly playing it safe. The original article calls this an industry-wide “agreeable lie”—a way to avoid admitting they might be stepping back.

Ryan Jeffers and the Catcher Contradiction

Falvey said in December that catcher Ryan Jeffers was ready for a bigger role. Then, the Twins signed veteran Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million deal, which muddied the waters.

Bringing in Caratini doesn’t exactly scream full confidence in Jeffers. It signals depth and flexibility, and maybe suggests the team isn’t convinced Jeffers can anchor the catcher spot for a contender.

What Caratini and Bell Actually Represent

On paper, signing Caratini and Josh Bell improves the team. That’s fair. But these aren’t bold, game-changing moves—they’re measured signings that keep options open.

Caratini, especially, brings a steady hand more than a high ceiling. He fits a short-term, flexible roster plan.

Caratini’s Real Value

Caratini gives the Twins a reliable presence behind the plate. At the plate, he’s quietly delivered solid numbers in Houston:

Those are upgrades over what the Twins have gotten from their catchers lately. He can even fill in at first base if needed. But really, he’s about making sure things don’t fall apart—not about pushing the team to new heights.

Josh Bell and Short-Term Depth

Bell’s one-year contract follows the same logic. He can help in the lineup, but he’s also the kind of player you can flip at the trade deadline if things go south.

Roster Flexibility and the Trade Deadline Angle

With Christian Vázquez out and guys like Alex Jackson, Kody Clemens, and Eric Wagaman rounding out the roster, the Twins look built for flexibility. They’re ready to react to what the market gives them, not necessarily set the tone.

When July rolls around, they can shift directions quickly, based on how the season’s going or what other teams want.

Why This Isn’t a Buxton-Centered Push

The real criticism here is that this isn’t a true effort to build around Byron Buxton. Instead of going all-in while he’s in his prime, the Twins are gathering assets they can move if needed.

Ownership Constraints and Honest Messaging

It’s worth noting that ownership changes and money issues might be tying Falvey’s hands a bit. That’s common in today’s MLB.

Still, why not just level with the fans? People pick up on this stuff, and a little honesty would probably go a long way.

The Bottom Line

Caratini and Bell probably give the Twins’ offense a quick boost. Still, the bigger picture suggests the team values maneuverability more than real commitment right now.

Honestly, unless Minnesota matches its public optimism with bold moves, this offseason just feels like groundwork for the next round of trades.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Twins Sign Victor Caratini, Fail in the Art of Deception