The Minnesota Twins may be looking to trade catcher Christian Vazquez ahead of the 2024 season. Vazquez had a disappointing offensive performance in 2023, hitting just .233 with 6 home runs and 30 RBIs. With the team aiming to reduce payroll, Vazquez, who is one year into a three-year, $30 million deal, may be on the trading block. Analysts suggest that the Twins are actively looking to move Vazquez and another player to free up resources.
Vazquez’s future in Minnesota appears bleak, especially considering the emergence of Ryan Jeffers, a more productive and less expensive option at the catcher position. Jeffers, who earned just $742,000 this year, hit .276 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in the 2023 season. With Vazquez not providing value for money, the Twins may opt to part ways with the veteran catcher.
In addition to financial considerations, the Twins have faced criticism for allocating a significant portion of their payroll to shortstop Carlos Correa. After opting out of his contract and failing physical tests with other teams, Correa returned to the Twins with a new six-year, $200 million deal. This further adds pressure on the organization to trim expenses, potentially at the expense of players like Vazquez.
Overall, it seems likely that Vazquez’s days with the Minnesota Twins are numbered. His poor 2023 season and the emergence of a more cost-effective replacement make it difficult for the team to justify keeping him. It remains to be seen which teams might be interested in acquiring Vazquez and what the Twins might seek in return for the veteran catcher.
