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Chicago Cubs: The offensive ability of Caratini is a much-needed part of the supporting cast around the main core
What Caratini did in 2019 vs. 2018 is night and day. The switch-hitting Caratini in 2019 put together a .266/.348/.447 with 11 home runs, a .794 OPS, 104 OPS+, 108 wRC+ and 34 RBI in 279 plate appearances. He slashed .421/.552/.789 and 235 wRC+ as a pinch hitter in 23 plate appearances. Solid average, good on-base and even some pop.
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This was after slashing just .232/.293/.304, two home runs and 65 wRC+ in 2018. His batted ball hard contact went from 28.2% in 2018 to 33.5% in 2019, with his GB/FB ratio going from 2.18 to 1.86. Not to mention his walk rate went up 4.4% between the years.
Caratini was a top catching prospect just a few years ago and showed his potential to be a good hitter throughout his minor league career. This tells you his offensive production last year was likely no fluke, and he is forming into the MLB he was hoped to be. His value goes beyond just being a backup catcher, but a big part of the offense.
In a brief 60-game season, it is crucial to get Caratini sufficient playing time to get that bat in the game regularly. This will, in time, help allow him to play in more roles sufficiently down the road so his hitting abilities can be utilized as much as possible.