Becomes a free agent day after World Series is finished.

<p>Caratini, a 32-year-old switch-hitter, is recognized as one of the league’s best backup catchers. His recent Houston stint yielded solid offense with a 105 OPS+ across 201 games, and his flexibility — catcher, DH, and first base — makes him a valuable depth piece for 2026. If he returns, it reinforces Houston’s reliability behind Diaz; if he departs, the team must replace a high-utility bench anchor.</p><p>Brown has signaled interest in bringing Caratini back, though the decision hinges on Diaz’s workload and free-agent market dynamics. Caratini’s path is as a specialized depth option who can contribute in pinch-hit spots and fill-in duties without derailing Diaz’s development trajectory.</p>

Caratini padded the lead with a 417-foot homer, adding to Houston's long-ball barrage late in the game.

Caratini’s start at first adds a left-handed bat to counter Kirby’s splits, giving fantasy managers a potential upside in daily formats when he sees play at first. He’s a key depth piece who could unlock late-inning production in the right matchups.

Caratini is listed among No. 21 wearers for Clemente Day, tying his Puerto Rican heritage into the Astros’ tribute roster.