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 

[jorgenswest]

With the buyout it is really 10 million for Caratini. If they put him on waivers and he goes unclaimed the Twins would be responsible for his remaining salary. It really depends on much they believe in Jackson as the primary catcher.

[nicksaviking]

7 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

With the buyout it is really 10 million for Caratini. If they put him on waivers and he goes unclaimed the Twins would be responsible for his remaining salary. It really depends on much they believe in Jackson as the primary catcher.

Yeah, but if they want the glove, they'd believe in Jackson over Caratini. At this point, I'm not very sold on Caratini's bat either.

[mnfireman]

I am not a metrics guy, I prefer the eye test for defense - but both favor Caratini.

Jackson is hitting better, but I would guess he will dramatically fall off if he were to play 2-3 times a week.

The salary situation tells me that the team will keep Caratini over Jackson if a move has to be made. However, as somebody else stated earlier, Caratini may get put on the IL with a "knee injury".   

[chpettit19]

I kind of like this idea. Neither guy is somebody you want as your primary catcher in 2027. And neither has options so they aren't a fit for the 3rd catcher spot that can come up as needed. I'd rather have Jackson for cheaper in 2027 if I was semi-confident that I could get out of Caratini's money.