Former Padres Catcher Joins Astros in Multi-Year Deal and Former Astros Signs for White Sox in a Week…
The Astros have secured a significant addition to their roster with the signing of Victor Caratini, the former catcher for the San Diego Padres.
While not as headline-grabbing as a potential Juan Soto move to the Bronx, this acquisition is poised to make an impact in Houston.
Victor Caratini, who spent the previous season with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he posted a .259 batting average, seven home runs, and 25 runs batted in, is set to join the Astros.
His 2021 stint with the Padres saw him hit .227 with seven home runs and 29 runs batted in. Prior to his time in San Diego, Caratini played with the Chicago Cubs for four seasons since his debut in 2017.
Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Caratini has built a respectable career for himself, serving as a valuable depth player rather than a standout star for the teams he’s been a part of. Despite not being a marquee name, he has proven his worth as a seasoned backup.
Having spent the last two seasons with the Brewers, Caratini brings experience from playing on a successful team, with Milwaukee making it to the playoffs in the recent season.
His familiarity with winning dynamics and his adeptness at framing, as per Statcast, make him a valuable asset for the Astros, addressing a deficiency observed with Martin Maldonado behind the plate.
Caratini’s defensive skills could be pivotal in securing more playing time in the Astros’ stacked lineup, offering Houston another seasoned catcher to guide its pitching staff.
Former Astros Signs for White Sox in a Week…
A former player from the Houston Astros has recently been traded to the Chicago White Sox via a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves.
Max Stassi, a former catcher for the Astros for over six years, experienced a second trade within a week, moving from the Los Angeles Angels to the Atlanta Braves before swiftly being sent to the Chicago White Sox.
Despite Stassi’s consistent performance as one of the league’s proficient catchers, recent events have influenced fans’ perceptions. He sat out the entire 2024 MLB season to care for his prematurely born child. Following stellar seasons in 2020 and 2021, where he boasted a .241/.326/.426 slash line with 13 home runs, Stassi secured a three-year, $17.5 million contract extension.
Now joining the struggling White Sox, Stassi’s veteran presence could offer leadership to a team uncertain about its immediate future. At 32, he might still contribute firepower and consistency, although the lingering question is whether a year away from baseball will impact his performance at the highest levels.
Interestingly, despite the Astros’ search for a backup catcher for Yainer Diaz, they didn’t pursue a reunion with Stassi. Possible factors include age and concerns related to his hiatus. The Astros have solidified their catcher position for the upcoming 2024 MLB season by signing Victor Carantini, making them less reliant on Stassi’s return.
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