Are the Twins risking roster flexibility to keep three catchers ahead of 2026 MLB season?

The Minnesota Twins may have solved their long-running catching timeshare, but that clarity has presented a new dilemma. With Ryan Jeffers set for a full workload, locked in as the undisputed No.

1 catcher going into the 2026 season, the next question the Twins face is whether there is room or a need for three catchers on the Opening Day roster.

Jeffers' Opening Day role shifts positions

After dividing duties for three seasons, Jeffers is now in a position to take the load of a starter. According to manager Derek Shelton, who spoke early during offeseason, "Jeffers is going to be the C1.” He added, “We’ve talked to Victor about it. The thing we thought about there is get a guy we think … is going to play behind Ryan, but he can also play first, he can also DH.”

Jeffers played about 700 innings last year and was on the field in 119 games, 88 of which were behind the plate. A jump to 110-120 games caught would put him in the league with baseball's true full-time catchers. Only J.T. Realmuto and William Contreras surpassed the 1,080 innings at catcher last season. Moreover, Jeffers has accepted the heavier role. Talking about his role, Jeffers said, “Every year, I’ve grown up in this game, I’ve gotten better at the routine and what I do in the offseason to prepare for the year.

I’ve always prepared to catch a full workload, so nothing for that really changed for me this offseason.” If Jeffers makes it to that threshold, the structural need for three catchers becomes less apparent.

Alex Jackson’s future and the new roster

A key issue in the debate is the versatility of Victor Caratini, who signed a two-year deal and can catch, play first base, and act as a designated hitter. That flexibility is enabling Minnesota to keep his bat in the lineup without committing it to a strictly arranged platoon.

It’s Alex Jackson’s role that is a point of contention. Traded for a small amount, Jackson is out of minor league options. Despite an OPS+ of 46 in over 400 big league plate appearances, he is still valued for his framing, arm strength, and incremental adjustments in his offense, including improved bat speed last season.Carrying Jackson as a third catcher would protect in depth but likely cost the Twins a traditional bench bat and likely impact players such as James Outman, who has a .945 Triple-A OPS and a 131 wRC+, which are signs of untapped offensive upside. For years, Minnesota had focused on equally distributing the catching load in order to maintain durability. With Jeffers now the clear C1, the Twins are faced with the question of whether that insurance model is still needed.

However, much confidence in their starter makes a third catcher nonessential.