The financial breakdown of the deal for Houston Astros backup catcher Victor Caratini is out and it has an impact on the Astros’ overall payroll for 2024.
Per The Athletic, the Astros are set to pay Caratini $6 million in 2024 and $6 million in 2025, which amounts to the two-year, $12 million deal he agreed to next week. The Astros don’t typically comment on contract specifics.
This has a specific ramification on the Astros’ payroll for 2024, or more importantly on its tax threshold. The Athletic reports that Caratini’s contract puts them over the first Competitive Balance Tax threshold.
The first CBT threshold for 2024 is #237 million, which means the Astros would pay a 20 percent tax on all overages. The figure is determined using the average annual value of each player's contract on the 40-man roster, plus any additional player benefits. It is also calculated at the end of the season, meaning the Astros wouldn’t be taxed until after 2024.
Per Spotrac, the Astros were just above the threshold at $237.433 million. Their figures take into account average arbitration figures and minimum league salaries for arbitration-eligible players such as outfielder Kyle Tucker, along with pre-arb players like catcher Yainer Diaz.
Diaz is set to be the starting catcher for the Astors in 2024. Caratini will be the backup and replace veteran Martín Maldonado, who is a free agent.
Last season for the Milwaukee Brewers, the switch-hitting Caratini posted a .259/.327/.383 slash line. Caratini hit seven home runs and drove in 25 runs during his 201 at-bats.
He is a better offensive option than Maldonado, who barely batted .200 in his last three seasons in Houston. Diaz won the job in part due to his bat. As a rookie he batted .282/.308/.538/.846 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 104 games. He ended up finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Diaz and Caratini have flexibility at first base, as both have played the position, and can spell starter José Abreu when needed. Both could also be a designated hitter.
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