Twins Finalize Deals with Free Agents Victor Caratini and Taylor Rogers
Catcher Victor Caratini and reliever Taylor Rogers have officially joined the Minnesota Twins after passing their team physicals on Friday. They become the latest additions to the team’s roster, alongside first baseman Josh Bell, who was signed earlier in the offseason. According to General Manager Jeremy Zoll, the team is still actively seeking to add more talent to the roster before the start of the 2026 season.
Caratini, a 32-year-old veteran catcher, signed a two-year deal worth $7 million annually. He is expected to platoon behind the plate with Ryan Jeffers. In 114 games with the Houston Astros last season, Caratini hit.259 with 12 home runs and a.786 OPS. Rogers, a 35-year-old left-handed reliever, inked a one-year deal worth $2 million. He previously played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, and has experience as a closer, with 30 saves in 2019 and a career-high 31 saves in 2022.
Twins’ Offseason Moves
The Twins have been active in the free agent market, with Zoll expressing optimism about the team’s chances of adding more talent before the start of spring training. The team has already made some significant moves, including the signing of Josh Bell, who hit.237 with 22 home runs and 67 RBIs in 140 games for the Washington Nationals last season. Bell signed a one-year, $7 million deal to become the Twins’ starting first baseman.
The Twins’ bullpen, which was depleted by a busy trade deadline last July, is an area of focus for the team. Rogers is the first outside addition to the bullpen, and the team is expected to continue seeking ways to strengthen the unit. Zoll emphasized the importance of finding the right balance and opportunities in the free agent market, citing the signings of Bell and Caratini as examples of the team’s efforts to “lift the lineup and raise the floor.”
TwinsFest and Community Involvement
The Twins’ annual winter fan convention, TwinsFest, kicked off on Friday at Target Field. The event helps fund the Twins’ Community Fund, which supports various charitable initiatives in the Minnesota community. Despite considering canceling the event due to ongoing protests in the Twin Cities, the team decided to move forward, with new executive chair Tom Pohlad citing the importance of bringing people together and supporting a good cause.
In other news, the Twins announced the list of minor league prospects invited to spring training, including outfielder Walker Jenkins, the fifth overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, and shortstop Kaelen Culpepper, the 21st overall pick in 2025. The team’s first spring training game is scheduled for February 20 against the University of Minnesota at Hammond Stadium.
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