Chicago Cubs: Victor Caratini earning his roster spot

One of the more surprising moves coming out of Spring Training? The Chicago Cubs’ inclusion of Victor Caratini on the team’s 25-man roster.

When the Chicago Cubs headed to Miami for Opening Weekend with Victor Caratini in-tow, more than a few folks were surprised. More than anything, because he beat out Yu Darvish‘s former personal catcher in Chris Gimenez.

But, through the first month of the season, the rookie has earned that spot – and the right to keep it.

So far, Caratini has posted a 0.2 WAR off the bench in limited playing time. Entering play Monday, he carried a .297/.350/.378 slash line.  Caratini’s BABIP is currently .407, so he may be experiencing a bit of luck, but other than that, this all looks pretty legit from him.

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His current walk rate is just five percent, but in the minors he was right around 10 percent for his career, so that will improve. His K rate is at 25 percent, and in the minors it was never higher than 20 percent Gotta love small sample sizes, right?

Caratini has a bit of pop in his bat, too. His power numbers have been increasing every season he’s been playing pro baseball. He had his highest career home run total last season, hitting 11 between Iowa and Chicago.

More than acceptable defensively

On the defensive side of the ball, Caratini has been worth one defensive run saved while playing first base, filling in for an injured Anthony Rizzo.

Anywhere else, Caratini has been just league average. Keep in mind, this is a backup catcher so anything league average or better is more than okay. Caratini is currently at 0.3 Fielding Runs Above Average according to Baseball Prospectus, while at -0.2 Framing Runs. While he is not the best framer, he does other stuff behind the dish to make up for it. Backup catchers are defense-first most of the time, so he’s doing his job back there.

Compare that to Willson Contreras, who is at -4.3 framing runs, and -4.0 Framing Runs above average. That will change, it’s only April, but that stat just shows the value Caratini can have on this team and pitching staff.

Next: Chatwood settling in

There will come a point where Chris Gimenez gets a chance on the roster this season. While Caratini is up in the Major Leagues, he needs to take advantage of his opportunities. So far, he has done exactly that. Contreras and Caratini could make a formidable catching tandem for the Cubs for years to come.