Veteran Catcher Becomes Latest MN Twins Addition

It has been a cold and empty winter for the Minnesota Twins thus far. The only free agent addition came in the form of Josh Bell. Multiple holes on the roster exist, and Derek Falvey has yet to address any beyond first base.

Earlier this offseason the MN Twins traded with the Baltimore Orioles to acquire catcher Alex Jackson. It appeared as though the former 1st round pick (2014 – 6th) would back up veteran starter Ryan Jeffers.

Christian Vazquez is gone, and while Jackson is on the 40-man roster, there’s a new clear backup joining the team. Minnesota’s second major league free agent deal this offseason has been given to Victor Caratini.

Victor Caratini new Minnesota Twins catcher

On Friday the Minnesota Twins agreed to a two-year deal with veteran free agent Victor Caratini. The catcher can immediately pair with Ryan Jeffers to shoulder the load behind the dish.

Victor Caratini has agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal with the Twins, per source. The deal is pending physical. @ByRobertMurray was on it.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 16, 2026

With Bell’s deal being of the one-year variety, Caratini’s agreement is the first multi-year pact of the offseason for Minnesota. Caratini is a former 2nd round pick (2013) out of Puerto Rico and is now 32 years old.

After staring his career with the Chicago Cubs, Caratini has spent time with the Padres, Brewers, and Astros. Last season with Houston he played in 114 games and batted .259/.324/.404. The 101 OPS+ represents a substantial step up from Christian Vazquez’s 52 OPS+ with Minnesota.

Rocco Baldelli was rigid in his usage of catchers rotating them on a game-by-game basis. It remains to be seen how Derek Shelton will deploy the tandem.

In 119 games last year, Ryan Jeffers batted .266/.356/.397. His power numbers sagged dramatically, and he has often been a question mark when it comes to constant availability.

Like Jeffers, Caratini will need to show a level of defensive prowess next season. Not only is the ABS challenge system coming to the big leagues, but throwing out base stealers remains a focal point of the position. Despite being an offensive black hole, Vazquez drew work because of his defense.

As this stands, neither Caratini or Jeffers would be lauded for their glove work. That is why Vazquez was able to play 65 games despite being a black hole on offense.

State of the MN Twins catching situation

With the addition of Victor Caratini, the Minnesota Twins have a clear tandem at the big league level. Both Jeffers and Caratini will be on the major league roster. The former Astros backstop can also play first base and will fill in as the designated hitter.

Alex Jackson just got $1.3 million in arbitration. He is out of minor league options and must be on the big league roster or be subjected to waivers. It’s possible the Twins find a way to move him, but it would be bad business to acquire him only to pay his arbitration raise and designate him for assignment.

Minnesota’s 40-man roster is also full. They could simply designate Jhonny Pereda, the other catcher on it, to make room for Caratini. They really are building a level of redundancy though.