Caratini vs Jackson

[nicksaviking]

Seems like a given that if the Twins go back to two catchers, Jackson is the odd man out, but should he? Typically the 2nd catcher is the defensive specialist, and that's not Caratini. Caratini has the flexibility of playing 1B, but when he does, it seems more like they are trying to find ABs for him. 

The Twins missed the boat trying to trade either, but the Yankees still need a catcher and now the Dodgers are down their top two catchers; if the Twins were looking to get out of Caratini's salary in 2027, now would be the time to try (and fingers crossed, fail) to pass him through waivers. This team really shouldn't be carrying three catchers, and I'm guessing they won't want to lose Jackson for nothing considering he's playing pretty well.

Obviously the Twins shouldn't worry about 7M in 2027, but they will, and if they're paying Caratini that amount, they'll once again feel compelled to use him as more than just a 2nd catcher, regardless of who the primary catcher is next year.

[Linus]

This is a valid question to which I have no answer. Seems crazy this wasn’t resolved in some fashion at the deadline. I do know that if you made me choose between $7 million for Caratini or $7 million for player X I’m likely choosing player X. 

[jaimedude]

I don't think either Jackson or Caratini would pass through waivers with  the dearth of MLB catching.  They would be claimed. 

[nicksaviking]

33 minutes ago, jaimedude said:

I don't think either Jackson or Caratini would pass through waivers with  the dearth of MLB catching.  They would be claimed. 

Jackson is cheap so I'm with you, he'd get claimed. Caratini's contract isn't exactly attractive though so I could see any team interested gambling that nobody else will claim him and then being able to sign him on the Twins dime.

But I'd still be Ok with that.

[Linus]

4 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Jackson is cheap so I'm with you, he'd get claimed. Caratini's contract isn't exactly attractive though so I could see any team interested gambling that nobody else will claim him and then being able to sign him on the Twins dime.

But I'd still be Ok with that.

Makes me wonder if teams talk about that. If we knew the Yanks would grab him and assume the contract it would be tempting