The Tampa Bay Rays can take their approach in a number of different directions this winter. They have needs in the outfield, pitching staff, and behind the plate. The issues behind the plate have been raging for a while. The Rays need to bring in a catcher who can contribute something next season.
Rays Linked to Catcher Victor Caratini in Free Agency
It’s the Backstop, Stupid
The Rays have been on the prowl for a reliable catcher since the days of Mike Zunino. Rays catchers officially posted the worst offensive production in baseball last season, slashing .185/.288/.304 with a .592 OPS. President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander highlighted the club’s catching options during his press conference at the end of the regular season.
Now, the Rays need to get serious about improving the catching corps if they have any chance of competing in the American League East. They tried a bunch of things to resuscitate the catching spot last season, and none of them stuck to the wall. All of the other teams in the division are poised to make massive roster upgrades this winter. The Rays cannot be left behind.
Rays Predicted to Get Their Catcher
Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors recently put out a list of the 2025-2026 Top 50 MLB Free Agents. He included a bunch of predictions for each free agent. Truthfully, the Rays weren’t listed in the article that frequently, with the exception of one notable spot. Franco and two other writers have the Rays signing the well-traveled Victor Caratini.
It can be easy to exaggerate the potential contributions that Caratini can provide to a team. He is a career .244/.321/.371 hitter (90 OPS+) who has played for four teams since his debut in 2017. He’s a backup catcher, but one who has been putting together sustainable results recently. His 12 home runs this season were surprising, and the offense has been strong the past two seasons. He posted a .259/.324/.404 slash with a .728 OPS in 114 games this season.
Victor Caratini – Houston Astros (12)
pic.twitter.com/Qnx59XV9ab— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) September 28, 2025
On the Rise
Caratini is a switch-hitter who could perfectly platoon with the incumbent Nick Fortes. His numbers against righties have improved markedly during the last two years. His 6% walk rate is low, but that is offset by an outstanding 16.8% strikeout rate. There aren’t many appealing options behind the plate in free agency, and Caratini should be relatively affordable. Franco predicts he will sign for two years and $14 million. The Rays should be able to use the money saved from not picking up Pete Fairbanks‘ contract option.
Defensively, Caratini posted four blocks above average, which ranked in the 72nd percentile of all catchers. His framing has generally been strong despite a downturn this season. The dilemma is that he ranks below average in throwing out opposing base runners. His 2.05 pop time is in the 3rd percentile.
The Last Word
Caratini would certainly fill the backup role for the Rays. It’s not going to be an exciting addition, but the Rays have to do something. It appears that Caratini has unlocked something in the last two years that is sustainable. A contract of that size could be an incredible bargain for the Rays. Caratini can help paper over the other roster holes with his sneaky power and pop.
If the gamble falls apart and the Rays are struggling at the trade deadline, then he can always be moved in July. A contract like this won’t hurt the team in the long run.
Main Photo Credit: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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