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As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Minnesota Twins face an intriguing challenge. With Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez splitting catching duties in 2023 and 2024, the team had one of the more stable backstop duos in the league. However, the offseason has brought rumors that the Twins could look to trade one of their veteran catchers, creating a void behind the plate. If such a trade comes to fruition, the Twins may need to get creative, potentially adopting a three-catcher rotation to maximize their depth while covering defensive deficiencies.
The Current Landscape
If Jeffers or Vázquez were dealt, the Twins would be left with intriguing but unpolished catching options. Diego Cartaya is a former top prospect from the Dodgers who offers offensive upside but still needs refinement on both sides of the game. Last season, he hit .221/.323/.363 (.686) with 16 doubles and 11 home runs in 95 games between Double- and Triple-A. He started 69 games as a catcher, with his other appearances coming as DH. In a three-catcher rotation, he would become the backup catcher.
Jair Camargo showed flashes of potential in 2024, but may not yet be ready for a full-time role. In 2024, he played 74 games at Triple-A and slashed .212/.290/.403 (.693) with 16 doubles and 12 home runs. Mickey Gasper is another wild card, but his versatility makes him an intriguing utility option. He played first base and catcher last season and has played some second base in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Gasper hit .328/.440/.531 (.970) with 27 doubles and 12 home runs at Double- and Triple-A. He hasn’t proven he can handle an extended big-league workload behind the plate, though, and scouts are skeptical he ever will.
In such a scenario, the Twins might adopt a three-man catcher rotation, with playing time split roughly as follows:
- Starter: 90 games (Vázquez, if retained, or Jeffers in this role)
- Cartaya: 45 games
- Camargo: 10 games
- Gasper: Remaining games in a utility/third catcher capacity
This structure could allow the Twins to balance experience with development, while maintaining flexibility in their lineup. But is it realistic to expect this group to hold up over a 162-game season?
The Twins have long emphasized defense behind the plate, which was a key reason for signing Vázquez to a multi-year deal. Among the remaining options, however, there are significant defensive questions. Jeffers ranked in the 14th percentile or lower in Fielding Run Value, Blocks Above Average, and Framing, but improved to the 73rd percentile or higher in Caught Stealing Above Average and Pop Time. Cartaya has the tools to develop into a reliable defender, but is still working on pitch framing and game management. Camargo has a strong arm, as he threw out 30% of runners at Triple-A, but he struggles with some of the other nuances behind the plate. Gasper is versatile but may not provide the defensive reliability typically expected from a catcher.
A Utility Role for Gasper
Gasper’s ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable part of a three-catcher system. He could serve as a backup at first base or in the corner outfield while providing depth behind the plate. This kind of versatility might help the Twins keep their roster flexible, especially if injuries arise or if they want to give regular rest to their starters.
However, Gasper’s limited MLB experience leaves questions about whether he can handle sporadic playing time effectively. The Twins might not believe he is a big-league catcher, but he could fill the role in an emergency situation. For the three-catcher rotation to work, the Twins would need to trust Gasper in this hybrid role, while ensuring he gets enough reps to stay sharp.
Should the Twins Make the Switch?
The idea of a three-catcher rotation isn’t without precedent, but it does come with risks. Balancing playing time while maintaining defensive and offensive production can be a delicate task. If the Twins trade Jeffers or Vázquez, they’ll need to assess whether the remaining group can handle the position’s responsibilities.
A trade would likely indicate that the Twins are confident in their young catchers’ development. Still, the team may need a veteran depth piece to serve as an insurance policy. Otherwise, they’ll be betting on Cartaya’s development getting back on track after years of detour; Camargo’s continued growth; and Gasper’s ability to thrive in a utility role.
The Twins’ catching situation could undergo a dramatic shift this offseason, and a three-catcher rotation might be the best way to maximize the potential of their roster. However, it’s far from a perfect solution. If the team decides to trade one of their veteran catchers, they’ll need to carefully manage playing time and development to ensure the position doesn’t become a weakness in 2025.
Would this approach be successful? Do the Twins have enough catching depth? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
