The Milwaukee Brewers have had Victor Caratini behind the dish for the past two seasons. He was urgently acquired prior to the start of the 2022 season via a trade with the San Diego Padres after Pedro Severino was suspended 80 games. Catcher Brett Sullivan and shortstop Korry Howell were the cost in order to acquire him.
During Victor Caratini’s first season he initially split time with Omar Narvaez. Omar Narvaez was coming off of an All-Star season in 2021, but he struggled in 2022. Victor Caratini ended up receiving substantial playing time due to a strong first half of the season, but offensively he faded down the stretch that year.
In 2023 he entered the season as the presumed backup to newly acquired William Contreras. He served this role very well and for the span of several months he operated as primary when Corbin Burnes was on the mound. At seasons end he reached enough service time to enter free agency for the first time in his career.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Victor Caratini has signed a contract with the Houston Astros.
On Tuesday evening during Winter Meetings Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal reported that Victor Caratini was signing a contract with the Houston Astros. Robert Murray then confirmed that report and also added that it is a two year deal. Lastly Mark Feinsand chipped in and indicated that the deal is worth $12 million.
Victor Caratini will join Yainer Diaz and Cesar Salazar as current catchers on the Houston Astros 40-man roster. Martin Maldonado, former Brewers catcher, is currently a free agent after being with the team since 2019. Houston reportedly liked that he is a switch hitter and may look into using him at first base on days when he is not catching.
The Astros signing Victor Caratini means that a reunion with the Brewers is out. Milwaukee is likely still searching for a veteran backup catcher to serve behind William Contreras in 2024. Prized prospect Jeferson Quero is on the 2024 roster but won’t likely break camp with the big league team.
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