The Minnesota Twins entered the offseason focused on stabilizing their roster after a disappointing campaign that exposed depth concerns at several key positions. Catcher quickly became one of the organization’s top priorities.
Minnesota had relied heavily on Ryan Jeffers in recent seasons, but injuries and workload questions made it clear the club needed another dependable option who could handle multiple responsibilities.
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Jeffers has been productive when available, yet he also missed time, appearing in just 119 games last year. That type of wear and tear is common at the position, but it reinforced the Twins’ desire to avoid placing too much pressure on one primary catcher for the entire year.
That organizational approach became clearer with the front office’s stated plan moving forward. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told “Inside Twins” earlier this week that free‑agent acquisition Victor Caratini will split the catcher duties with Jeffers, noting the club valued his switch‑hitting ability, experience at first base and potential to rotate through the designated hitter spot.
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Caratini’s versatility is a major reason Minnesota targeted him early in the winter. The veteran agreed to a two‑year, $14 million deal with the Twins, giving the club a proven option who can contribute behind the plate while also filling in elsewhere when needed. His ability to play catcher, first base and DH fits neatly with Zoll’s vision of rotating players to keep the lineup fresh over a long season.
The 32‑year‑old brings both experience and recent production. Last season with the Houston Astros, Caratini appeared in 114 games and set career highs with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs while batting .259 with a .324 on‑base percentage and .728 OPS.
Minnesota’s broader outlook also factors into the decision. With several young position players still developing and payroll flexibility always a consideration, adding a reliable veteran who can cover multiple roles helps stabilize the roster without requiring a long‑term commitment. Caratini’s switch‑hitting profile also provides lineup balance the Twins have lacked at times.
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Jeffers, meanwhile, remains an important part of the catching picture. He has shown power potential throughout his career and continues to be viewed internally as a capable starter when healthy. The new arrangement is designed less as a demotion and more as a way to maximize both players’ strengths.
If the plan works as intended, the Twins could benefit from improved durability at catcher, more matchup flexibility and deeper lineup options. By pairing Jeffers with Caratini in a shared role, Minnesota is attempting to turn a previous weakness into a steadier position group heading into the upcoming season.