Former Padres Catcher Signs Multi-Year Deal With Astros

This isn't a Juan Soto-to-the-Bronx blockbuster, but it's a needle-mover in Houston

Former San Diego Padres catcher Victor Caratini has agreed to sign with the Houston Astros. He spent last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .259 with seven home runs and 25 runs batted in.

The Astros are in agreement on a contract with free-agent catcher Víctor Caratini, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and I.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 6, 2023

Caratini spent the 2021 season with the Padres, hitting .227 with seven home runs and 29 runs batted in. It was the only year he was a member of the Padres after appearing in parts of four seasons with the Chicago Cubs, with whom he broke in in 2017.

Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Caratini has carved out a nice career for himself. He's more of a depth piece than a star for the teams he's played on, but has shown value as a veteran backup. 

Having spent time with the Brewers the last two seasons, Caratini understands how to play on a winning team. Milwaukee did reach the playoffs this past season and gave Caratini one of the National League's better pitching staffs to work with.

Caratini rates highly at framing according to Statcast, something the Astros lacked with Martin Maldonado behind the plate. His defense could be his best asset toward earning more playing time in a stacked Astros lineup, and gives Houston another veteran backstop to lead its pitching staff.