Toronto Blue Jays sign free agent catcher for $1.95 million
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed international free agent catcher Juan Caricote from Venezuela.
At last, the start of the 2026 international signing period is here.
In 2025, Blue Jays drafted Juan Sanchez, who hit .341/.449/.565 in 253 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League.
Sanchez is already a top prospect in the organization and tracking as one of the best Latin American position prospects Toronto has signed in several years.
This 2026 international class for the Blue Jays again leans heavily into hitters.
According to Baseball America's Ben Badler, the Blue Jays have signed Venezuelan catcher Juan Caricote for $1.95 million.
Toronto Blue Jays signing Juan Caricote, catcher from Venezuela, for $1.95 million.
Caricote projected to grow into a 15-plus home run hitter, athletic catcher
To summarize Caricote's profile, he's a solid all-around hitter who'll stick at catcher because of a strong ability to receive, while he'll eventually grow into his arm.
An athletic catcher, he's a good blocker and has a good swing from the left side of the plate with projection remaining.
His control of the strike zone is impressive for a hitter, with excellent pitch selection and strong chances to generate power.
There were some doubts about his position some time ago, but his defense and physical development have progressed appropriately.
For many scouts, it is unquestionable that he is the catcher with the highest projection in the class.
As for the Blue Jays' success with Venezuelan catchers, it's a mixed bag.
In 2016, they signed Gabriel Moreno to a bonus of $25,000, which has worked out well as he was traded for Daulton Varsho.
On the other end of the spectrum, Luis Meza was their top signing for the 2022 IFA period, and he hasn't improved at all over the three seasons and was released along with 8 other players on Wednesday.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
New York Mets extend short-term offer for Kyle Tucker to four years, decision expected Thursday
New York Mets extend short-term offer for Kyle Tucker to four years, decision expected Thursday
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15 | 103 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays sign free agent catcher for $1.95 million Was signing the top international free agent catching prospect available a good depth move for their farm system? | ||
| Yes | 86 | 83.5 % |
| No | 5 | 4.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 12 | 11.7 % |
| List of polls | ||