
As reported by MLB.com, the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a two-year contract with catcher and first baseman Victor Caratini. Insider information shared with MLB journalist Mark Feinsand indicates the contract totals $14 million and is awaiting medical clearance, while the team has not formally announced the deal.
The 32-year-old Caratini spent the last two seasons with the Houston Astros, playing as a catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. Last year, he posted a slash line of .259/.324/.412 and hit a career-high 12 home runs.
The Twins already have Ryan Jeffers as their primary catcher, and Alex Jackson, who has exhausted his minor league options, was expected to serve as the main backup. Both are right-handed hitters, whereas Caratini is a switch hitter who has performed better when batting from the left side throughout his career.
Jeffers is still expected to handle most of the catching duties, but Caratini offers more major league experience and a steadier offensive contribution than Jackson. He can also provide rotational options at first base and designated hitter, giving the Twins flexibility in shaping their lineup during spring training. It is worth noting that Jeffers has recently been linked to trade rumors, and his contract runs only through 2027.