The Houston Astros aren’t used to having their offseason start this early. Typically, we’re talking about their postseason matchups right now-not what’s next. But after a late-season collapse, general manager Dana Brown is already shifting gears toward 2026.

And while there’s some lingering uncertainty about whether Brown or manager Joe Espada will still be in their current roles next spring, Brown isn’t letting that slow him down when it comes to roster planning. At the top of his to-do list? Free agency-specifically, keeping one key piece behind the plate.

No, not Framber Valdez, though he’s certainly the headliner among Houston’s free agent class-Brown instead zeroed in on Victor Caratini, the club’s switch-hitting backup catcher, as a priority to bring back next season.

Caratini might not be the flashiest name on the market, but don’t underestimate his value. He’s exactly the kind of versatile bench player contending teams quietly rely on to stay competitive through the long grind of a 162-game season. He brings capable defense behind the plate, hits from both sides of the box, and gives a manager lineup flexibility by being able to step in at first base or even take a few at-bats as a designated hitter.

Brown made his interest in keeping Caratini clear.

“If you don’t bring him back, you definitely need a backup catcher, and he’s been, I think, one of the best backup catchers in the league,” Brown told the Houston Chronicle. “So we would like to bring him back… He’s going to be a free agent, so if he decides to go somewhere else we have to be in the market for a backup. But we would definitely have interest in talking to him.”

That quote doesn’t sound like smoke-it sounds like genuine respect for what Caratini brings to the table. But here’s the tricky part: Caratini’s been good enough that he could draw interest from teams looking to offer more than a backup role. Across the past two seasons, he’s put up a wRC+ of 113 and 104 respectively-very solid offensive production for a catcher, let alone a part-time one.

At 32, Caratini knows how limited opportunities can be for veteran backstops to snag a starting gig-or at least a bigger slice of playing time. That makes this winter an important moment for him. And if another team sees him as more than just a reserve, the Astros may not have the appetite to get into a bidding war for a player they, for now, view as part of their second unit.

Beyond Caratini, Houston’s bench could be undergoing some serious changes in 2026. With several players headed for arbitration and a few more decisions looming, the roster could look a lot different by the time Opening Day rolls around. But if this team has any intention of entering next season still in the mix for the AL West crown-or at the very least, remaining playoff-relevant-Caratini is exactly the sort of glue guy you want in that dugout.

If a trade involving Christian Walker materializes, Caratini’s positional flexibility becomes even more attractive. He’s not just a defensive replacement late in games or an occasional bat against tough matchups-he’s a safety net for multiple positions.

It’s no secret that Houston’s window isn’t what it once was, but it’s not slammed shut either. Strategic roster moves, especially when it comes to depth, are going to carry more weight than ever.

Should Caratini return on a reasonable deal, it’d be a smart step toward building that kind of balance. And judging by Brown’s comments, the door is definitely open.