Why Victor Caratini was chosen by the Astros as Yainer Diaz’s backup catcher
Next season, Yainer Diaz, 25, will take on a new role as the Astros’ starting catcher in the major leagues. General manager Dana Brown stated that Houston was looking for a backup catcher who could provide Diaz with a “complement” as opposed to a “mentor-type situation.”
The Astros also desired other qualities. They felt a catcher who could perform if called upon more frequently at an important position and who came from “a playoff-type team” would be the ideal candidate, according to Brown.
Victor Caratini, a 30-year-old free agent with seven major league seasons under his belt, was the result of it. Caratini’s two-year contract was officially announced by the Astros on Thursday, filling a clear roster void and securing their outfield strategy for 2024.
Late on Thursday, Brown stated of Caratini, “We took a look at him.” “He can frame things quite well. He’s not too bad at blocking. He bats second base. As the backup, we believe he would be a great match for Diaz. Furthermore, he is a player who could easily replace Diaz in the event of an injury lasting a week or longer.
Prior to serving in a part-time capacity for the previous two seasons in Milwaukee, Caratini was the starting catcher for the Padres in 2021. In terms of pitch framing, he was among the best catchers in baseball last season, but metrics regarding his arm strength and catch-and-throw times are less encouraging. Over the past three seasons, he has caught at least 500 innings, including 2023 when he relieved young Brewers starter William Contreras.
Additionally, Caratini provides possible offensive impact in a backup capacity. In 226 plate appearances during the previous season, he recorded a slash line of.259/.327/.383, seven home runs, and a strikeout percentage (19.9%) that was marginally below the league average. With Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker as the two regular left-handers for the Astros, Caratini’s switch-hitter role adds more balance to the lineup.
Due in part to a thin free-agent catching market, Brown determined that backup catcher was a more urgent need for Houston than relievers, even though the team still needs to replenish its bullpen. The reported value of Caratini’s two-year contract is $12 million.
