Twins Video
Expectations were high when Christian Vázquez signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Minnesota Twins in December of 2022. The veteran catcher was brought in not just for his defensive acumen and game-calling ability but also for the stability and leadership he could provide to a young pitching staff. However, he struggled mightily to produce in his first season as a Twin, leading to his surprisingly sitting out the entire postseason.
The 2024 season also didn't start as planned, and by mid-May, many were questioning whether the investment was worth it.
A Rough Start
Vázquez's start to the 2024 season was, by most metrics, a disaster. His batting average hovered below the Mendoza Line, and his power numbers were nearly nonexistent. On June 1st, he was hitting .161/.180/.196 (.376) with two extra-base hits and a 30-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Twins, who had hoped Vázquez would be a stabilizing force, were struggling on the field, and some fans began to loudly wonder if the team had overpaid for a player past his prime. It felt like the Twins' coaching staff was losing confidence in one of the team’s starting catchers. Trade rumors even began to circulate, with whispers that the Twins might try to unload Vázquez's salary before the deadline.
The Turning Point
Despite the rough start, Vázquez never lost his composure. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly with hitting coach David Popkins to adjust his swing mechanics. Vázquez focused on shortening his swing and being more selective at the plate, targeting pitches he could drive rather than just making contact. He’s worked with Twins hitting coaches to find a routine in the batting cage that sets him up for in-game success.
“I’m a feeling guy,” Vázquez said. “We found a feeling that is working right now. Every time I feel the swing I want, I go back and say, ‘This feeling, remember this feeling.’ It’s working. I’m driving the ball everywhere. It feels good.”
Entering play on Saturday, Vázquez was hitting .339/.371/.631 (1.002) with four doubles, five homers, and 13 RBIs in 71 plate appearances dating back to July 1st. He continues to raise his offensive numbers by driving the ball with authority again, contributing several clutch hits in key situations.
The Value Beyond the Numbers
What’s made Vázquez worth every penny of his $10 million annual salary isn't just his improved stats, though those are certainly part of the story. His influence on the Twins' pitching staff has been immeasurable. The Twins’ young arms, including Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, have consistently praised Vázquez for his game-calling and ability to guide them through ,challenging situations.
His ability to work with pitchers, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and adjust on the fly has been critical in helping the team navigate the ups and downs of the season. This kind of leadership is invaluable and is precisely why the Twins were willing to commit to him in free agency.
Last season, FanGraphs pegged Vázquez as being worth $7.3 million after he posted a 65 OPS+ in 69 games. Even with a poor offensive performance, he continued to rank as one of the AL’s top defensive catchers. His poor start this season hasn’t stopped him from being more valuable than in 2023. He has been worth $8.3 million this season, with a chance to cross the $10 million threshold. Bad free-agent contracts can weigh down teams, but Vázquez is proving his worth.
As the Twins approach the season's final months, Vázquez has positioned himself not just as a comeback story but as a critical component of the team’s success. His turnaround has helped stabilize a team that looked lost in the early part of the season, and his leadership both on and off the field is a testament to the value of experience and perseverance.
“The last six weeks, he’s been one of our best hitters,” Twins manager Rocco Baldellisaid of Vázquez, who just celebrated the momentous milestone of 10 years MLB service time. “He’s been very productive. He’s been hitting a lot of balls hard, and he’s still catching the same way he always catches, which is very good.”
While the first half of 2024 may have been challenging, Vázquez has shown that he is worth every dollar of his contract. His contributions, both tangible and intangible, have been crucial in turning the Twins’ season around. As the playoffs approach, the Twins will rely on Vázquez to continue his strong play and lead the pitching staff through the pressure-packed games to come.
In the end, the story of Christian Vázquez's 2024 season is one of redemption and resilience—a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about how you start but how you finish.
HasVázquez been worth $10 million this season? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
