How Minnesota Twins' Catching Depth Points to a Three-Catcher Rotation in 2025

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have relied exclusively on a two-man catching rotation over the last two seasons. With recent roster moves, will using a three-man rotation in 2025 make more sense?

Image courtesy of © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Minnesota Twins face an intriguing challenge. With Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez splitting catching duties in 2023 and 2024, the team had one of the more stable backstop duos in the league. However, the offseason has brought rumors that the Twins could look to trade one of their veteran catchers, creating a void behind the plate. If such a trade comes to fruition, the Twins may need to get creative, potentially adopting a three-catcher rotation to maximize their depth while covering defensive deficiencies.

The Current Landscape
If Jeffers or Vázquez were dealt, the Twins would be left with intriguing but unpolished catching options. Diego Cartaya is a former top prospect from the Dodgers who offers offensive upside but still needs refinement on both sides of the game. Last season, he hit .221/.323/.363 (.686) with 16 doubles and 11 home runs in 95 games between Double- and Triple-A. He started 69 games as a catcher, with his other appearances coming as DH. In a three-catcher rotation, he would become the backup catcher. 

Jair Camargo showed flashes of potential in 2024, but may not yet be ready for a full-time role. In 2024, he played 74 games at Triple-A and slashed .212/.290/.403 (.693) with 16 doubles and 12 home runs. Mickey Gasper is another wild card, but his versatility makes him an intriguing utility option. He played first base and catcher last season and has played some second base in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Gasper hit .328/.440/.531 (.970) with 27 doubles and 12 home runs at Double- and Triple-A. He hasn’t proven he can handle an extended big-league workload behind the plate, though, and scouts are skeptical he ever will.

In such a scenario, the Twins might adopt a three-man catcher rotation, with playing time split roughly as follows:

• Starter: 90 games (Vázquez, if retained, or Jeffers in this role)
• Cartaya: 45 games
• Camargo: 10 games
• Gasper: Remaining games in a utility/third catcher capacity

This structure could allow the Twins to balance experience with development, while maintaining flexibility in their lineup. But is it realistic to expect this group to hold up over a 162-game season?

The Twins have long emphasized defense behind the plate, which was a key reason for signing Vázquez to a multi-year deal. Among the remaining options, however, there are significant defensive questions. Jeffers ranked in the 14th percentile or lower in Fielding Run Value, Blocks Above Average, and Framing, but improved to the 73rd percentile or higher in Caught Stealing Above Average and Pop Time. Cartaya has the tools to develop into a reliable defender, but is still working on pitch framing and game management. Camargo has a strong arm, as he threw out 30% of runners at Triple-A, but he struggles with some of the other nuances behind the plate. Gasper is versatile but may not provide the defensive reliability typically expected from a catcher.

A Utility Role for Gasper
Gasper’s ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable part of a three-catcher system. He could serve as a backup at first base or in the corner outfield while providing depth behind the plate. This kind of versatility might help the Twins keep their roster flexible, especially if injuries arise or if they want to give regular rest to their starters.

However, Gasper’s limited MLB experience leaves questions about whether he can handle sporadic playing time effectively. The Twins might not believe he is a big-league catcher, but he could fill the role in an emergency situation. For the three-catcher rotation to work, the Twins would need to trust Gasper in this hybrid role, while ensuring he gets enough reps to stay sharp.

Should the Twins Make the Switch?
The idea of a three-catcher rotation isn’t without precedent, but it does come with risks. Balancing playing time while maintaining defensive and offensive production can be a delicate task. If the Twins trade Jeffers or Vázquez, they’ll need to assess whether the remaining group can handle the position's responsibilities.

A trade would likely indicate that the Twins are confident in their young catchers’ development. Still, the team may need a veteran depth piece to serve as an insurance policy. Otherwise, they’ll be betting on Cartaya’s development getting back on track after years of detour; Camargo’s continued growth; and Gasper’s ability to thrive in a utility role.

The Twins’ catching situation could undergo a dramatic shift this offseason, and a three-catcher rotation might be the best way to maximize the potential of their roster. However, it’s far from a perfect solution. If the team decides to trade one of their veteran catchers, they’ll need to carefully manage playing time and development to ensure the position doesn’t become a weakness in 2025.

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Would this approach be successful? Do the Twins have enough catching depth? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[tony&rodney]

My immediate thought is that I have no idea if Gasper can catch. Farmer was the Twins 3rd catcher as were a couple of utility infielders in the past. None of them ever caught a pitch for the Twins that I can recall.

Has anyone actually been to several games where Mickey Gasper was the catcher? 

[JD-TWINS]

Tough to see Camargo being able to contribute in the Show. I guess the slant here is he would come up in case of injury or with some use of Options?

Gasper seems to be just a notch above where Farmer was on the previous 2 rosters relative to Catching. Right? Maybe he’s more of an option behind the plate than I’ve allowed myself to believe?

Cartaya seemed to me to be a pick-up to be developed at least another year in MiLB?

To me, 2025 is a year to go get a Playoff spot…….can’t be developing Catchers at the MLB level with this goal in mind. Pay the 2 guys you have and develop a new plan for ‘26!…….,…..OR trade 2-3 guys for a young Catcher that’s ready to play now and for a few years……..(Duran - Matthews - Jeffers or Vazquez - Castro - etc.)

[jorgenswest]

Five catchers on the 40 doesn’t seem sustainable so at least one will be moved or DFA’d.
 

How well did the Twins utilize three catchers in 2019 and 2021 when Astudillo was on the roster? I can see Gasper in that role if he can be an above average major league hitter and effective pinch hitter. He needs to be a better hitter than Astudillo. I can’t see the value in having any other combination of three catchers from the remaining four. How would it help?

[Doubles]

You continue to have some strange, strange ideas. 

[RpR]

27 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Five catchers on the 40 doesn’t seem sustainable so at least one will be moved or DFA’d.
 

How well did the Twins utilize three catchers in 2019 and 2021 when Astudillo was on the roster? I can see Gasper in that role if he can be an above average major league hitter and effective pinch hitter. He needs to be a better hitter than Astudillo. I can’t see the value in having any other combination of three catchers from the remaining four. How would it help?

It is not how they hit, it is how they catch and as of now, none are equal to Vazquez or Jeffers.

[TwinsDr2021]

39 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Gasper seems to be just a notch above where Farmer was on the previous 2 rosters relative to Catching. Right? Maybe he’s more of an option behind the plate than I’ve allowed myself to believe?

To me, 2025 is a year to go get a Playoff spot…….can’t be developing Catchers at the MLB level with this goal in mind. Pay the 2 guys you have and develop a new plan for ‘26!…….,…..OR trade 2-3 guys for a young Catcher that’s ready to play now and for a few years……..(Duran - Matthews - Jeffers or Vazquez - Castro - etc.)

The big difference between Farmer and Gasper is that Farmer had spent 6 years in the majors being a below average hitter and Gasper has spent 6 years in the minors being a slightly above average hitter for his age.

Completely agree with your last paragraph, they have to compete for and get a playoff spot, or the new owners might (absolutely 100% should) fire this FO.   If they miss the playoffs in 2025 what below makes people believe?

2017 – lost wild card game

2018 – 78-84

2019 – 101-64 – swept by Yankees

2020- 36-24 – swept by Astros

2021 – 73-89

2022 – 78-84

2023 – Won 2 game wild card, lost 3 -1 by Astros

2024 – 82-80

2025 - ?

[HerbieFan]

If Gasper actually was good at catching I'd think he would have done more of it in the minors, especially with the importance of the position.  I hope I'm proven wrong but I just have a hard time seeing him getting much action with the Twins barring injury.

[karcherd]

If Gasper is on the 26 man roster, we are no better than last year.  If they can't sign quality major league players, give the kids with more upside the opportunity.  This is getting old running 4A players out there and trying to convince us that we are a contender.  Stop with the platooning and get quality players that can play every day at one position with reasonable days off.  

[sweetmusicviola16]

You don't trade Jeffers unless he brings back someone who is going to be able to catch and catch long-term. You don't trade Vazquez unless you can bring in someone who you feel will be able to fill his role adequately this season. The only FA's remaining who have any appeal at all would be McCann or Elias Diaz. You don't trade either with the idea that Gasper, Camargo or Cartaya are going to be relied on for 2025. If they are relied on we have left ourselves with a huge black hole. If they are then we are punting on 2025. I could care less about this stupid Budget scenario. Asa fan I care about winning not what kind of cheap player you can put on the roster that fits in budget.

[Hrbeks Divot]

So in the scenario that Jeffers or Vasquez gets traded are you suggesting actually carrying three true catchers on the roster? Or would we be moving Cartaya and Camargo back and forth to AAA depending on how they are playing at the moment with Gasper being more of an emergency option? Keep them both and look for a trade to get another solid, young catcher to use for the foreseeable future. I understand we’re talking about giving up some big assets in a trade like that but then you can DFA or trade Camargo and Gaspar and keep Cartaya in AAA this year to get a good look at him.

[JBK]

Trade Vazquez and play Jeffers 5x a week.

[sweetmusicviola16]

3 minutes ago, Hrbeks Divot said:

So in the scenario that Jeffers or Vasquez gets traded are you suggesting actually carrying three true catchers on the roster? Or would we be moving Cartaya and Camargo back and forth to AAA depending on how they are playing at the moment with Gasper being more of an emergency option? Keep them both and look for a trade to get another solid, young catcher to use for the foreseeable future. I understand we’re talking about giving up some big assets in a trade like that but then you can DFA or trade Camargo and Gaspar and keep Cartaya in AAA this year to get a good look at him.

I'm very positive about Cartaya. But he's a project. We gave up next to nothing for him. But he should by no means be looked at as a Minnesota Twin for 2025. Maybe he can benefit by working with Vazquez. Which having Cartaya in St.Paul this can happen.

[chpettit19]

Like @Hrbeks Divot, I'm also confused by the true plan here. Is the suggestion to carry 3 catchers all season so that 2 of them can split 72 games behind the plate? That can't be the real suggestion because nobody would carry 2 guys for that little playing time each. So, it has to be that you'd send one down to play in AAA while the other is in the majors and then swap them. 

My other question is why Gasper is getting more games behind the plate than Camargo (my math says there's 17 games not accounted for by the others) if he's supposed to be the worst behind the plate. Oh, and what are you really going to learn/develop with 10 games for Camargo behind the plate in the majors? He may hit .000 or .750 in any random 10 game stretch. Way too small of a sample size.

The situation laid out by the author is not a 3-man catcher rotation. It's a starting catcher with 3 massive question marks who haven't earned their way onto an MLB catcher depth chart being backup catchers. So, really, it's questioning whether or not trading one of Vazquez or Jeffers would be a reasonable plan to get a look at these other 3 options. And my answer to that is "no." None of those guys are real catcher prospects anymore. You don't clear space for non-prospects just because. Unless you aren't trying to win this year, but if that's the case they should be looking to trade more than Vazquez or Jeffers and should be getting a real catching prospect to put in there to learn and develop. I don't see the appeal in this plan at all.

[farmerguychris]

I think our catching depth has improved greatly over the past few months.  At this point in his career, time for Vazquez to be shipped out for salary relief.  It would have been difficult to do this with only Carmargo as depth - but now should allow us to make that move and still be OK.  Hope to see that coming soon.

For the article's subject matter - I think its pretty clear can only have a 3rd catcher on the active roster IF he can play other positions as well.  The flexibilty they crave can be met with our new options.  

[Doctor Gast]

I get where you are coming from Cody. One day Vazquez will be gone, I can't see them extending Jeffers. So we have to have 2 promising MLB-ready catchers ready to be mentored to take over the reins of the most critical position, to help the Twins compete now & into the future. But unfortunately, we don't have them in the system. IMO Camargo has peaked out at AAAA. Cartaya has floundered at AAA & needs to dominate there. He won't be MLB-ready this year, he could be a decent backup catcher down the road. Gasper should never catch at the MLB level. We could have used a promising young MLB-ready catcher last season to help spell Jeffers in the 2nd half when he ran out of gas. Then expand him in '25.

We could obtain one who's blocked, using players or prospects but for the 2nd we'd need to trade Jeffers to lure a competing team to let go of their future catcher.

WARNING: Jeffers or Vazquez alone with what we got would be super dangerous to the condition of the team.

 

[DJL44]

This would be an interesting way to tank the season. I don't understand the need for a rotation. If you want to trade Jeffers and go with bad catchers for the season there's no advantage of using 3 bad catchers instead of using just two bad catchers and using the other roster spot for something useful.

Carrying 3 bad catchers in a rotation kills the catching position AND your positional depth elsewhere. It's like the old joke where first prize is a weekend vacation in Fargo and second prize is a week-long vacation in Fargo.

[bean5302]

The Twins are not going to utilize a 3 catcher rotation. Either Vazquez will be traded and the most impressive of the depth guys in Spring Training will start off as a backup to Jeffers or the depth guys will stay depth guys in AAA, and be called up as injury replacement options.

Vazquez is a negative WAR player so the impact on team performance for replacing him with a AAA replacement player is minimal.

[sweetmusicviola16]

26 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I get where you are coming from Cody. One day Vazquez will be gone, I can't see them extending Jeffers. So we have to have 2 promising MLB-ready catchers ready to be mentored to take over the reins of the most critical position, to help the Twins compete now & into the future. But unfortunately, we don't have them in the system. IMO Camargo has peaked out at AAAA. Cartaya has floundered at AAA & needs to dominate there. He won't be MLB-ready this year, he could be a decent backup catcher down the road. Gasper should never catch at the MLB level. We could have used a promising young MLB-ready catcher last season to help spell Jeffers in the 2nd half when he ran out of gas.

We could obtain one who's blocked, using players or prospects but for the 2nd we'd need to trade Jeffers to lure a competing team to let go of their future catcher.

WARNING: Jeffers or Vazquez alone with what we got would be dangerous to the condition of the team.

 

I'm not against trading Jeffers. But yes the return would have to be a guy that is going to be ready by 2026. Hopefully late this season even. But if this was done we better darn well be right about the guy we acquire. Jeffers could be traded and we sign McCann or Diaz to tandem with Vazquez. I'm not suggesting or promoting this but it is a possible scenario. Vazquez could be traded and one of the aforementioned is signed to team with Jeffers. This could be done. But imo playing Camargo, Gasper or Cartaya in 2025 is not an option. We have a major problem actually if Feffers or Vazquez go down and we have to bring one of these up to play. Honestly we still have zero catching depth. 

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, JBK said:

Trade Vazquez and play Jeffers 5x a week.

High school, college, amateur, and minor league catchers never catch five games a week. There are 27 plus weeks in a season and Spring Training. We are more likely to see starting pitchers throw 300 innings than have catchers start and catch 140+ games.

The Twins have been reasonably fortunate with their shared catching routine. Yes, Vazquez could use a new bat but Jeffers would absolutely break down catching 120 games. 

The Twins need to make some moves this year for next year as far as catching. Adding Cartaya is a start. Now go after Harry Ford, Jeferson Quero, Endy Rodriguez, or somebody. Buy high.

In the mean time we should hope the Twins can get by on Jeffers and Vazquez another year.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, JBK said:

play Jeffers 5x a week.

We got a small sample of that during the 2023 post-season and I'm not currently eager to jump into a larger sample size to judge from, without breaking him into the pattern slowly.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

56 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

The Twins are not going to utilize a 3 catcher rotation. Either Vazquez will be traded and the most impressive of the depth guys in Spring Training will start off as a backup to Jeffers or the depth guys will stay depth guys in AAA, and be called up as injury replacement options.

Vazquez is a negative WAR player so the impact on team performance for replacing him with a AAA replacement player is minimal.

I’m in agreement that these guys need to be AAA depth.  As to replacing Vasquez with a minor league player not subtracting much, I think there are three guys there who would say “Hold my beer!”

[sweetmusicviola16]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

The Twins are not going to utilize a 3 catcher rotation. Either Vazquez will be traded and the most impressive of the depth guys in Spring Training will start off as a backup to Jeffers or the depth guys will stay depth guys in AAA, and be called up as injury replacement options.

Vazquez is a negative WAR player so the impact on team performance for replacing him with a AAA replacement player is minimal.

Myles Straw is a 7 WAR career player. So maybe that says a little about WAR. Vazquez is worlds better than the 3 AAA depth players we have. If Vazquez is traded then the first thing to do is sign Diaz if he's still available by then. Camargo,Gasper or Cartaya in 2025 will kill the team imo.

[sweetmusicviola16]

Envision if you will a defense of Gasper at C. Miranda at 1B. Julien at 2B. Even Lewis at 3B. Larnach in LF. Kiersey in CF, the best of the bunch for D. We better be able to score 14 runs a game. Worse yet might even be  is when Julien gets shifted to 1st and Miranda back to 3rd and Martin plays 2B. PU. 

Let's just trade Vazquez for salary relief and keep on regressing defensively.

[Mark G]

Other articles rave about the potential of Festa, Matthews, and Raya waiting in the wings in AAA, and how that gives us needed depth and how we may be counting on them coming up sometime soon.  So, it only makes sense to me that you bring the 3 AAA catchers up with them, right?  They could all have their own personal catcher that they worked the most with last year.  Just keep sending them up and down as package deals until they run out of options, then DFA them and sign some more guys on minor league contracts; after all, that is what we do best, isn't it?  🙃

Ok, seriously.......we would trade our proven major league catcher and replace him with a guy (guys) who hit .221 or .212 in the minors?  The one guy who has any kind of hitting line down there isn't even a full time catcher?  Not the kind of move (moves) a team that considers itself a serious contender makes.  But, as always, I can be educated.   

[Ricky Vaughn]

If this takes place I wont be spending $20 a month to watch them.

[stringer bell]

If one of Vázquez or Jeffers is traded, then one of Camargo or Cartaya is the backup. If no catcher is traded, I'm quite sure neither Carmargo or Cartaya is a serious candidate to make the 26-man roster. 

Gasper is another case altogether IMHO. He's a candidate for a utility job and he can catch. I doubt he would be starting games, but if he makes the roster, he might catch a few innings in blowouts and maybe grab the gear if there was a situation where the Twins used a pinch runner or pinch hitter late in a game. Pretty much in line with what they did with Willians Astudio.

[tony&rodney]

Call the Brewers, call the Pirates, call the Mariners, call the Braves. What do they want for their young catchers? 

After acquiring a player who can catch, then the Twins can discuss deals for one of their two current catchers.

[IndianaTwin]

I hope it doesn't. 

With a four-man bench, the only way you can afford to have three catchers is if at least one of them plays a lot at another position or a couple of them hit well enough to DH a fair amount. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

I'll propose a trade, that is no more ridiculus than considering playing Gasper and Cartaya. Jeffers to Seattle for Harry Ford. We throw in Julien and work any other pieces into a deal from either side to make it work. Then we expand the budget to sign Diaz or McCann to help this year. Dipota likes to deal and the Mariners need a bat. Jeffers does this for them. The Mariners still have Raleigh to catch a long with now Jeffers to catch and DH. We're going to lose Jeffers in two years anyway.