4 Steps to Solving the Twins’ Catching Woes

Catching might be the biggest weakness on the Twins' roster entering the offseason. Ryan Jeffers is coming off another productive offensive season, but he is now a free agent and could be wearing another uniform in 2027. Victor Caratini is under contract, but his second-half performance left plenty to be desired. Meanwhile, Minnesota has one of baseball's most exciting young catching prospects on the horizon.

The Twins don't need to find their long-term catching solution this offseason. Instead, they need to build a bridge to the future while improving the position defensively. Here are four steps Minnesota should take to address its catching situation.

Step 1: Ryan Jeffers Accepts the Qualifying Offer

Perhaps Jeffers is worried about how his free-agent market will develop with the potential labor uncertainty looming over baseball. Perhaps he wants to bet on himself for one more season before testing the market again. Perhaps the one-year, $23.15 million deal is simply too lucrative to decline. Either way, Minnesota would benefit from Jeffers accepting its qualifying offer.

He remains one of the better offensive catchers in baseball. During the 2026 season, Jeffers hit .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs across 368 plate appearances. His offensive production gives the Twins something they would have difficulty replacing in free agency.

Accepting the offer would also give Minnesota another season to evaluate its catching situation without committing to a multiyear contract. Jeffers gets a significant payday, and the Twins retain a familiar piece of their lineup. He has until November 17 to make his decision. The Twins should be hoping he chooses to stay.

Step 2: Trade Victor Caratini

Once Jeffers accepts, Minnesota should move quickly to find a trade partner for Caratini. The Twins signed Caratini to a two-year, $14 million contract last offseason, hoping he could provide reliable catching depth and a switch-hitting option. Unfortunately, his production dropped considerably as the season progressed.

After posting a .704 OPS before the All-Star break, Caratini managed just a .461 OPS afterward. He hit .179 with a .263 on-base percentage and went without a home run during the second half. Those numbers aren't good enough for someone Minnesota might otherwise need to rely on as its primary catcher.

Moving Caratini won't necessarily be easy. His contract carries $10 million in remaining obligations, including the 2027 salary and the buyout attached to his 2028 mutual option. Minnesota will likely need to absorb some of that money to make a trade attractive to another club. Still, the Twins shouldn't let last year's signing dictate their plans for 2027. They need a more dependable backup option.

Step 3: Sign a Strong Defensive Catcher

After moving Caratini, Minnesota should prioritize finding a catcher with above-average defensive abilities. It was difficult watching opposing runners take advantage of the Twins throughout the 2026 season. The club needs to improve its ability to control the running game, block pitches and provide consistent defensive work behind the plate.

This doesn't need to be an expensive addition. The Twins could pursue an experienced veteran who has established himself as a reliable defensive catcher. His offensive production shouldn't be the primary consideration.

In fact, Minnesota should be comfortable signing someone who hits below .200 if he provides meaningful defensive value. There are plenty of ways to create offense throughout a roster, but a dependable defender behind the plate can make an entire pitching staff more effective. Jeffers can handle the majority of the offensive responsibilities while a defensively focused backup takes on a complementary role.

Step 4: Vahn Lackey Debuts in September 2027

The final step involves the organization's most exciting long-term solution at catcher. Lackey was selected third overall in the 2026 MLB Draft after an outstanding junior season at Georgia Tech. He hit .397/.519/.772 with 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases, establishing himself as one of the best offensive catchers in college baseball.

He also brings considerable defensive upside. MLB Pipeline gave him a 60 overall scouting grade, with a 60 grade for his throwing arm and a 55 grade for his defensive skills. His athleticism and potential behind the plate make him an exciting prospect for Minnesota.

Lackey made his professional debut in July and appeared in both Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids during his first season. He still needs time to develop, but the Twins have an opportunity to build their catching situation around his eventual arrival.

A September 2027 debut would be an aggressive timeline with 2028 being a more realistic expectation for his arrival. However, if Lackey progresses quickly, a late-season opportunity could give him valuable experience before taking on a larger role the following year. The organization should resist rushing him, but it also shouldn't block his path with unnecessary long-term commitments at catcher.

The Twins don't need to solve every catching problem with one offseason signing. They need to approach the position with a clear plan. Keeping Jeffers for another season, moving on from Caratini, adding a defensively reliable backup and developing Lackey would give Minnesota a much-improved catching outlook.

There are other positions that need attention this offseason, but catcher deserves to be near the top of the priority list. A successful four-step approach could help the Twins stabilize the position in 2027 while preparing for a much brighter future behind the plate.

Will the Twins be able to follow these steps? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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