LOS ANGELES — With the arrival of Dalton Rushing to the big club on Tuesday, Dodger fans might scratch their heads a bit. Wasn’t Diego Cartaya supposed to be the Dodgers’ next hot catching prospect? What happened? And why?
Cartaya’s journey from being the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top prospect to being designated for assignment (DFA) and traded to the Minnesota Twins is a compelling narrative of early promise, subsequent struggles, and the unpredictable nature of baseball development.
Early Promise and Ascension
Signed by the Dodgers in 2018 as a 16-year-old international free agent from Venezuela, Cartaya quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing a potent combination of power, defensive skills, and leadership behind the plate. By 2022, he was ranked as the Dodgers’ number one prospect and was considered among the top catching prospects in all of baseball . His performance in the lower minors, including a .254 batting average with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs between Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and High-A Great Lakes in 2022, solidified his status as a future cornerstone for the Dodgers.
Struggles in the Upper Minors
However, as Cartaya advanced to higher levels, his offensive production began to decline. In 2023, while playing for Double-A Tulsa, he batted .189 with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs over 93 games . The following year, splitting time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, he posted a combined .221 batting average with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs in 95 games. These numbers indicated a concerning trend, especially considering his high strikeout rates and diminishing power .
Organizational Changes and DFA
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim in January 2025 necessitated a 40-man roster move. Given Cartaya’s recent struggles and the emergence of other catching prospects like Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers made the difficult decision to designate Cartaya for assignment on January 3, 2025 . This move underscored the organization’s shifting priorities and the competitive nature of roster management.
Trade to the Minnesota Twins
Shortly after his DFA, the Dodgers traded Cartaya to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jose Vasquez . The Twins, seeking depth at the catcher position and potential upside, assigned Cartaya to their Triple-A affiliate, the St. Paul Saints. However, his struggles persisted, leading to his removal from the Twins’ 40-man roster and an outright assignment to Triple-A on April 25, 2025 .
Current Status and Outlook
As of May 2025, Cartaya remains with the St. Paul Saints, striving to regain his form and fulfill the potential that once made him a top prospect. His journey serves as a reminder of the challenges young players face in transitioning to higher levels of competition and the importance of adaptability and resilience in professional sports.
While his path has deviated from initial expectations, Cartaya’s age and early success suggest that a resurgence is possible. Continued development, adjustments at the plate, and consistent performance could pave the way for a return to the major leagues in the future.
In conclusion, Diego Cartaya’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball development and the fine line between prospect stardom and career uncertainty. His experience underscores the importance of performance, adaptability, and organizational fit in determining a player’s trajectory in professional baseball.
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