This MLB offseason has already been one of the most intriguing in recent years, and is set to get even more exciting. With major free agents choosing new teams, and several more remaining unsigned, this has been a significant transaction period. But away from free agency awaits the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which is packed with some of the most star-power the tournament has had in years.
Among the MLB players representing their country in this year's WBC is veteran catcher Christian Vasquez. Coming off his 11th MLB season and third with the Minnesota Twins, Vasquez will play for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC.
Vasquez is also a free agent. At age 35, his contract expired with the Twins and he has yet to receive a new one. A two-time World Series Champion, one with the Red Sox in 2018 and one with the Houston Astros in 2022, Vasquez has deep postseason experience. That said, his bat has been well-below league average for four-straight seasons, and last year's 52 OPS+ was the second-worst mark of his career.
While MLB catchers can carve out long careers without being particularly imposing at the plate, it seems the Twins have chosen to go in a different direction with their catching tandem next season. With Ryan Jeffers still slated to handle most of the innings behind the plate, the Twins went out and signed Victor Caratini who will split time with him in 2026. This leave little room for Vasquez, who will need to find a new home or potentially consider retirement.
Minnesota Twins catcher Christian Vazquez (8) | © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Vasquez's best season came in 2020 when he posted a 111 OPS+ in that shortened season. His best full year came the season prior when he appeared in 138 games as the Red Sox's primary catcher, slugging a career-best 23 home runs and driving in 72 runs — also a career-high.
In 993 career games, Vasquez owns a .250 batting average and has 71 home runs. He was a ninth round pick in the 2008 MLB draft, making it nearly two decades of professional baseball for the Puerto Rican catcher. While he may still latch onto a team before Spring Training, Vasquez's focus is on the World Baseball Classic where he should have the opportunity to play an important role.
As for the Twins, they felt Caratini gave them a better option at catcher for 2026, as his 101 OPS+ last year was his second straight season of being above league average at the plate.