I wouldn't call him an "upgrade" over Caratini considering he put up 1.9 WAR. Grandal's risk of decline is a lot higher given his age and the fact he sucked the two previous years before last. If Grandal was "an upgrade" like you said, why would a team want to give up a prospect to get Caratini when they could just go sign Grandal themselves?
Like I said it’s not a strong opinion I have. There’s a reasonable argument both ways. But there’s a lot that goes into where a free agent signs (and for how much). A lot would have to fall into place for my idea to work out. But essentially, another team would have to believe your opinion (Caratini is better), while the Astros would have to believe mine (Grandal is better).
I don't see the reason to make a lateral move like that at catcher. I think it only makes sense to trade Caratini after the unlikely event Presley is traded. That would open up the $20M it would take to sign a guy like Santander. Or sign Winker plus a pitcher using that space under the CBT. Then we would plug in Salazar as backup catcher since he's in his cheap pre-arb years. Probably won't happen due to Presley's no trade clause though.
With Walker and Yordan at 1b and DH most everyday, Diaz is penciled in at catcher more than the vast majority of starting catchers. If I were Grandal, I would definitely look for a team with a better opportunity for playing time.
"No problem Dana, I understand. Did I tell you I felt a twinge in my lower back? My doc says I should probably shut it down for awhile and see if it gets better. I'll be in Dallas - reach out to my agent after the break and we can see where we are at."
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/astros-luis-garcia-avoid-arbitration.html Garcia signs for $1.875M. Also, MacT posted vague updates on Garcia and McCullers, both very positive, relatively speaking: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right flexor tendon surgery) Expected return: 2025 McCullers, who hasn’t pitched since the 2022 World Series, is throwing off the mound with hopes of returning early this season. He had surgery in June 2023 to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur, but he suffered a setback in July 2024 and was shut down for the season. (Last updated: Jan. 7) RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) Expected return: 2025 Garcia nearly returned last season from Tommy John surgery that was performed in May 2023, only to be shut down for the season last August. If he’s healthy to start 2025, that’s a huge boost to the rotation considering he threw 339 2/3 innings from 2021-23. (Last updated: Jan. 7) I feel pretty strongly that Houston should angle for McCullers to simply pitch in games, and sacrifice whatever role he/they might think is ideal. He should be used as a RP, in low leverage, with PLENTY of rest between appearances, and low pitch count limit. They can use him in leverage in the playoffs if he’s throwing really well when the time comes. If he makes it through the year healthy, then he/they can determine next offseason if they want to plan for him to be a SP again or permanently convert him into a high leverage RP.
This seems like negative news. He's been out for years and still doesn't sound like they expect him to be ready for the start of the season?
I don't know why people are so eager to move Caratini. It's like you think Yainar is capable of catching 150 games or something. There is going to be injuries and days off. I'd prefer we don't get stuck with a hole in the lineup at times. With the salary falling off in a year, Crane can pay a tax. Also, there's a possibility of trading for someone cheaper than 20 million when a team like Miami or Colorado are trying to shed some arbitration salary...
I don't think people want to get rid of Caratini. He is one of the best, if not the best, backup catchers in the league. They are assuming that Crane won't sign the OF's we need without getting rid of his salary and Pressley's. Obviously, the Astros are constrained by budget or they would have kept Tucker and Bregman. I'd gladly give up a backup catcher if it means we solve at least one of our OF spots. I'm betting we make 3 moves. Trade Pressley to Arizona for McCarthy and Montgomery with DB's eating a bit of Montgomery's salary. Sign Verdugo to a 1 year prove it deal or a little longer deal with incentives. Trade Caratini for a couple of minor leaguers pitchers that are not hightly rated.
Some people think that the current OFs are AAAA players and want to sign 1 if not 2 FA OFs or want to trade for 1/2 OFs (which also likely adds salary). To take on the new OF(s) salary, they want to move Caratini and his salary. If salary was not an overall issue, most people do not want to move Caratini.
