Welcome back to the 2025-26 edition of Smash or Pass, in which we examine potential free agent and trade targets to determine whether the Red Sox should pursue them and what it would take to land them.
Cubs backup catcher Victor Caratini pitched four times for the team, twice each in 2018 and 2019. I’m doing these in chronological order, then alphabetically, so Caratini is the first of three (!) Cubs position players who pitched in an 18-5 loss to the Cardinals July 20, 2018.
The Houston Astros have been active in the trade market this offseason, with their latest acquisition being that of former Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mike Burrows.
Houston general manager Dana Brown spoke with reporters (including the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Kawahara, the Athletic’s Chandler Rome, and MLB.com’s Daniel
The Houston Astros have some improvements to make to the roster after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Astros still have plenty of talent, but the team is most likely going to lose some major players for the second straight offseason.
The Houston Astros had a solid catching combo in 2025 with Yainer Diaz and Victor Caratini. That is unlikely to continue in 2026. Caratini is a free agent and in a market that doesn’t feature much top-of-the-line catching beyond J.T.
The catcher position remains one of the Washington Nationals biggest needs. Despite bringing back Riley Adams for 2026 and having Keibert Ruiz under contract long term, that is not good enough.
The Houston Astros are already off to a hectic offseason with plenty of work left to be done. Without a doubt, one of the most significant names circulating right now is that of left-handed ace Framber Valdez, but that doesn't take away from the other stars whom Houston could potentially lose.
The Tampa Bay Rays are once again going into the offseason looking for an upgrade at the catcher position. It has been a weakness for the franchise essentially since its first year in existence.
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.
America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.
One of the more interesting subplots this offseason, to me, is what the Astros decided to do at catcher in the near term. We all know the organization is interested in bringing Victor Caratini back, but whether that happens won’t be determined for a while.
The Houston Astros are trying to find their top form in the final month of the season. Manager Joe Espada is confident that's going to happen, stating September is when things are going to click and the Astros become a dominant team again.
Normally, starting catcher Yainer Diaz being day-to-day with an injury wouldn’t be an issue with Victor Caratini as the back-up. Well, it became a significant problem the Houston Astros hope will be a short-term one.
The Houston Astros suffered a troubling setback on Wednesday, one day after dropping the opener of their series against the Colorado Rockies 6-1. Victor
Shohei Ohtani made his fourth start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night as he continues to work his way back from last year's Tommy John surgery.
Victor Caratini's grand slam capped a five-run second inning, and the Houston Astros held on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-5 in Denver on Tuesday night.
Victor Caratini picked the perfect moment to remind Astros fans that this team still has plenty of firepower — even without its biggest bat in the lineup.
Victor Caratini had a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh inning to help the Houston Astros complete a two-game sweep of the visiting Athletics with a 5-3 win on Wednesday afternoon.
The Houston Astros placed catcher Victor Caratini on the 10-day injured list on Friday due to a left hip flexor strain. Caratini, 30, was injured sliding into home plate during the third inning of a game against the host Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
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.
Catcher Victor Caratini agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Houston Astros, multiple media outlets reported. The deal, which is pending a physical, has yet to be announced by the Astros.
The San Diego Padres completed a blockbuster deal for former Cy Young winner Blake Snell on Sunday night. It appears they're also eyeing another ace for their rotation. According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres are in deep negotiations with the Chicago Cubs to acquire Yu Darvish.