Dodgers Trade Diego Cartaya to the Twins

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially traded Diego Cartaya, their former top catching prospect, to the Minnesota Twins. Once a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ farm system and ranked among MLB’s elite prospects, Cartaya was dealt for minor-league pitcher Jose Vasquez in a move that marks the end of an era for the young Venezuelan catcher.

Cartaya’s fall from stardom was swift. Just two years ago, he was heralded as one of the brightest young talents in the game, even earning a spot as the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2022 and 2023. Known for his powerful right-handed swing and strong arm behind the plate, the 6-foot-3 catcher was expected to be a key piece of the Dodgers’ long-term plans. However, injuries and declining performance derailed his ascent through the minor league ranks.

The Dodgers designated Cartaya for assignment last week to make room on the roster for South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, whom the team signed to a three-year deal. Once DFA’d, Cartaya became a trade chip rather than a potential contributor to the Dodgers’ big-league roster. In need of catching depth, the Twins took a chance on the former prospect in exchange for Vasquez, a 20-year-old right-hander who has spent the past two seasons in the Dominican Summer League (DSL).

Vasquez signed with the Twins late in the 2022 international signing period for $120,000 and spent 2023 and 2024 developing in the DSL. After struggling with control in his debut season, walking more than a batter per inning, Vasquez showed significant improvement in 2024. In 30.2 innings, he recorded 45 strikeouts and reduced his walks to a more manageable 15. The 220-pound pitcher features a 94-97 mph fastball with heavy late sink, alongside an 84-88 mph slider that flashes bat-missing potential with two-plane movement. While Vasquez has improved his strike-throwing, his future likely lies in a relief role. The Dodgers are expected to start his career in Extended Spring Training, focusing on refining his mechanics and command. Despite being a long-term project, his ceiling is higher than that of a typical middle reliever.

Cartaya’s best seasons came early in his minor-league career, particularly in 2021 and 2022, when he showcased his power and on-base skills. Unfortunately, his production plummeted in Double-A and Triple-A, culminating in a .208 average and .643 OPS in 2024. The Dodgers’ decision to part ways reflects their broader efforts to balance roster depth.

This trade represents the unpredictable nature of baseball’s prospect pipeline. While Cartaya’s departure from Los Angeles is bittersweet, both teams hope this deal breathes new life into their players’ careers. The Dodgers, focused on long-term success, gain a developmental flier in Vasquez, while the Twins acquire a once-promising star who still has time to turn his career around at just 23 years old.