Twins Sign Caratini to 2-Year, $14M Deal

The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms on a two-year, $14 million contract with veteran catcher Victor Caratini, bolstering their roster behind the plate ahead of the 2026 season, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The deal, reached Friday, remains pending a successful physical exam.

Caratini, a 32-year-old switch-hitter from Puerto Rico, spent the past two seasons with the Houston Astros after signing a previous two-year, $12 million pact. In 2025, his second year in Houston, he appeared in 114 games, posting a .259 batting average with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs across 386 plate appearances, all career highs. He handled catching duties in 49 games, started at first base in 15 contests and served as the designated hitter in 30. Against right-handed pitchers, Caratini hit .268, though his average dipped to .208 versus lefties.

The signing addresses a key need for the Twins following the departure of Christian Vazquez, who had split time with primary catcher Ryan Jeffers over the previous three seasons. Jeffers, a right-handed hitter who batted .313 against left-handers and .248 against right-handers in 2025, is set to become a free agent after the 2026...