Argubaly the best catcher in the free agent market came off the board on January 16, as J.T. Realmuto re-signed with the Phillies. However, another notable catcher also signed on the 16th. Victor Caratini, who had a good year on an injury-beleaguered Astros team, will reportedly join the Minnesota Twins for 2026.
Caratini signs with Twins
The Twins are bringing in Victor Caratini on a two-year deal worth $14MM, per MLB.com.
The 32-year-old Caratini has been an adept contact hitter for much of his career, rarely getting beaten by fastballs, and posted a sub-20% K% in each of the last three seasons. This past season was Caratini’s best in some time, as he slashed .259/.324/.404 with 12 home runs and 26 extra-base hits, plus 13 hit by pitches.
All three of those aforementioned totals were career-highs for Caratini. However, it was his best year since 2019, when Caratini picked up 11 home runs and 22 extra-base hits in 95 contests with the Cubs.
Caratini will become the fourth catcher on the Twins’ 40-man roster. Incumbent starter Ryan Jeffers is still there. The Twins also have Jhonny Pereda and Alex Jackson, the latter of whom was acquired from the Orioles in a November trade.
It’s also worth noting that Caratini received time as a catcher & first baseman with the Astros last season, plus as DH.
Bido to Marlins
Miami claimed pitcher Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Rays. Bido was designated for assignment by the Rays earlier this week.
This is the fourth organization that Bido has been with this winter. Bido originally started the offseason as a member of the A’s. He was claimed off waivers by the Braves and Rays at different points.
Other moves
The Mets claimed infielder Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Rays,
Check out more of our MLB coverage.
Like this:
Like Loading…