What to Expect From New Twins Catcher José Godoy

[Matt Braun]

While the Twins played their first spring training game, the front office stayed active with a waiver claim for catcher José Godoy. What can we expect from the 27-year-old catcher?

Jose Godoy, despite his age, made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Seattle Mariners. The Venezuelan native signed with the St. Louis Cardinals a decade ago and labored through the minors with them for the first eight seasons of his career before joining the Mariners late in 2020. A handful of injuries pushed Godoy to the major-league level, netting him 40 plate appearances for the 90-win team. 

Just four days ago, Godoy had been claimed by the San Francisco Giants who then put him on the waiver wire again. This time, the Twins were awarded his rights. 

With just a handful of plate appearances to his name, it’s difficult to analyze what he brings to the table with both the glove and the bat. In May, Eric Longenhagen wrote that Godoy is “a lefty stick with good feel for contact and a frame built to withstand the beating catchers take.” Continuing, he says that he “like[s] him as upper-level depth and think[s] he’d be a fine third catcher on a 40-man roster.” Andrew Baggarly, when writing about Godoy for the Giants (yes, he has been claimed twice now in a week), called him “an upper-level catching alternative.” 

It appears that is how Godoy will fit into the Twins roster. Ryan Jeffers and Gary Sánchez will demand the majority of playing time at the position, but the alleged plan to have Sánchez DH consistently leaves the team thin at the catching position; just two untimely injuries could leave the Twins in a prickly position. Godoy looks to be insurance against any such outcomes.

Godoy slashed .285/.330/.413 in 73 games at AAA Tacoma in 2021.

He still has two options remaining, so the Twins could: 
1.) Keep him on the big-league roster as the third catcher, allowing Gary Sanchez to DH more often. 
2.) Option him to St. Paul, and if one of the Twins catchers gets hurt, call him up. 
3.) Try to pass him through waivers again, and hope that he clears waivers and can be sent to St. Paul.

What do you think his role can be with the Twins? Leave a Comment below. 

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[ashbury]

Groovy.  He'll be decent on defense, have less of an upside at bat than Rortvedt.  We've downgraded our 3rd string catching slot. 

[dex8425]

6 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Groovy.  He'll be decent on defense, have less of an upside at bat than Rortvedt.  We've downgraded our 3rd string catching slot. 

And downgraded the DH spot by putting Sanchez there. Perfect!

[ashbury]

7 minutes ago, dex8425 said:

And downgraded the DH spot by putting Sanchez there. Perfect!

Third-string catchers belong one phone call away at AAA, but Sanchez does seem to be a special case.  In which case, we need catcher #4 waiting in the wings, and he needs to be MLB-caliber (well, AAAA like Godoy).

[Nashvilletwin]

13 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Groovy.  He'll be decent on defense, have less of an upside at bat than Rortvedt.  We've downgraded our 3rd string catching slot. 

We’ve downgraded all three of our catching slots:

Garver, Jeffers, Rortvedt > Jeffers, Sanchez, and Godoy. Not even close.

It’s ok though, because catching is not an important position and it’s easy to acquire a lot of quality depth. A lot like shortstop. Sheesh. 

[chpettit19]

9 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Groovy.  He'll be decent on defense, have less of an upside at bat than Rortvedt.  We've downgraded our 3rd string catching slot. 

Career minor league lines:
Rortvedt: 5 seasons, .241/.316/.355/.672
Godoy: 9 seasons, .276/.357/.366/.723

Why do we still talk about Rortvedt like he's got some sort of high hitting upside? He's never been scouted as a good future hitter and his numbers have never suggested he'd be a good future hitter. He doesn't have upside with the bat.

[ashbury]

6 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Career minor league lines:
Rortvedt: 5 seasons, .241/.316/.355/.672
Godoy: 9 seasons, .276/.357/.366/.723

Why do we still talk about Rortvedt like he's got some sort of high hitting upside? He's never been scouted as a good future hitter and his numbers have never suggested he'd be a good future hitter. He doesn't have upside with the bat.

I've given my analysis before, and you want to go with the above plus his age-23 MLB numbers in < 100 PA (hint, Godoy's 2021 cuppa coffee in Seattle was worse).  At this point we're in Agree To Disagree territory, and watch young Ben with his progress (or lack of same) the next few seasons while he reaches the level of maturity that Godoy already has.

[chpettit19]

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I've given my analysis before, and you want to go with his age-23 MLB numbers in < 100 PA.  At this point we're in Agree To Disagree territory, and watch young Ben with his progress (or lack of same) the next few seasons while he reaches the level of maturity that Godoy already has.

I didn't go with his MLB numbers, I went with his minor league numbers where he's had 5 years of track record. I never even mentioned his MLB numbers. He's hit .241/.316/.355/.672 in 5 minor league seasons. That's not a small sample size. Suggesting he's going to suddenly get to the majors and hit better than he did in the minors seems like a stretch.

[Nashvilletwin]

12 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Career minor league lines:
Rortvedt: 5 seasons, .241/.316/.355/.672
Godoy: 9 seasons, .276/.357/.366/.723

Why do we still talk about Rortvedt like he's got some sort of high hitting upside? He's never been scouted as a good future hitter and his numbers have never suggested he'd be a good future hitter. He doesn't have upside with the bat.

Ok, let’s call the Yankees and see if they will trade Rortvedt back straight up for Godoy.

Don’t think so…..

[ashbury]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I didn't go with his MLB numbers,

My apologies - I had you mixed up with someone else a day or two ago in a Gary Sanchez thread.

Suffice to say, compare what Rortvedt did in his age 21 and age 23 seasons (Covid intervened) with what Godoy was doing at similar ages.  Don't just look at raw OPS - consider the difference in league levels, assuming you agree that the competition level is higher at AA and AAA than at low-A and high-A respectively.  Rortvedt is young, Godoy is not, and their resumes aren't really similar.

[chpettit19]

Just now, Nashvilletwin said:

Ok, let’s call the Yankees and see if they will trade Rortvedt back straight up for Godoy.

Don’t think so…..

Of course they wouldn't trade the younger player for the older player. I'm not saying Godoy is anything special. He's a prototypical 3rd catcher who will bounce between AAA and the majors. All I'm saying is there's been great weeping and gnashing of teeth around here the last handful of days over losing Rortvedt like he's some sort of prized prospect. He's a very good defensive catcher, but he's an awful hitter. He's a left handed Drew Butera. Will likely have a very long major league career because of his glove. But let's stop acting like he's something he isn't. Fangraphs has him at 30 present and 40 future hit tool and power. Seems pretty accurate given his career numbers. All I'm asking is that we have a little perspective on the player Ben Rortvedt is. I don't like the trade with the Yankees. Not saying it was good. Not saying Godoy is good. Simply pointing out that Ben Rortvedt as a baseball player isn't worth this kind of angst.

[chpettit19]

2 minutes ago, ashbury said:

My apologies - I had you mixed up with someone else a day or two ago in a Gary Sanchez thread.

Suffice to say, compare what Rortvedt did in his age 21 and age 23 seasons (Covid intervened) with what Godoy was doing at similar ages.  Don't just look at raw OPS - consider the difference in league levels, assuming you agree that the competition level is higher at AA and AAA than at low-A and high-A respectively.  Rortvedt is young, Godoy is not, and their resumes aren't really similar.

I'm not suggesting Godoy is great or even all that useful beyond being a 3rd catcher. I'm simply stating that Ben Rortvedt isn't some sort of prized prospect we lost in that deal. Still don't like the deal, but Ben Rortvedt is Drew Butera. Nobody would be this upset over Butera so why are we so upset about Ben?

[DJL44]

In a month he'll be everyone's favorite player and people will cry if he's traded.

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

why are we so upset about Ben?

He's from Wisconsin.

[RJA]

The Twins have much bigger issues now than a third string catcher--like who is going to play short and who is going to be in the starting rotation and bullpen.  Rortvedt is gone so the Twins need a third catcher, probably more than most in case Sanchez proves incapable of duty a couple times a week and becomes a designated hitter.  It seems to me they picked up somebody who can fill that spot.  In my humble opinion, Rortvedt is probably a better defensive catcher, but I am not sure he has a much upside offensively, so Godoy may be on par or slightly better offensively.  But, it is what it is.  The Twins didn't have the opportunity to pick up Rortvedt, so they got the best they could off the wire.

[Nashvilletwin]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

Of course they wouldn't trade the younger player for the older player. I'm not saying Godoy is anything special. He's a prototypical 3rd catcher who will bounce between AAA and the majors. All I'm saying is there's been great weeping and gnashing of teeth around here the last handful of days over losing Rortvedt like he's some sort of prized prospect. He's a very good defensive catcher, but he's an awful hitter. He's a left handed Drew Butera. Will likely have a very long major league career because of his glove. But let's stop acting like he's something he isn't. Fangraphs has him at 30 present and 40 future hit tool and power. Seems pretty accurate given his career numbers. All I'm asking is that we have a little perspective on the player Ben Rortvedt is. I don't like the trade with the Yankees. Not saying it was good. Not saying Godoy is good. Simply pointing out that Ben Rortvedt as a baseball player isn't worth this kind of angst.

Good points. It’s not the angst over Rortvedt per se.  Its the decimation of a balanced (offense and defense) catching depth chart for what we have now. We are arguably worse off at all three spots and Urshela for JD, despite the cost savings, is not a win for us either.  Unless something dramatic happens, one cannot say that our lineup is better off than we were before we traded Garver. 

[ashbury]

Just now, chpettit19 said:

I'm not suggesting Godoy is great or even all that useful beyond being a 3rd catcher. I'm simply stating that Ben Rortvedt isn't some sort of prized prospect we lost in that deal. Still don't like the deal, but Ben Rortvedt is Drew Butera. Nobody would be this upset over Butera so why are we so upset about Ben?

Do the same analysis age-against-age between Rortvedt and Butera.  Ben's not Drew.

There's no guarantees in baseball, and certainly no guarantees regarding prospects.  But the same kind of analysis allowed folks to identify Jorge Polanco as a player whose bat had a good chance of coming around, even though his numbers at AA weren't too good.

I don't suspect Rortvedt develops into an All-Star.  But we gave up someone of value when we traded him to the Yankees, and we replaced with with someone from the waiver wire.  It's a downgrade.

 

[chpettit19]

Just now, Nashvilletwin said:

Good points. It’s not the angst over Rortvedt per se.  Its the decimation of a balanced (offense and defense) catching depth chart for what we have now. We are arguably worse off at all three spots and Urshela for JD, despite the cost savings, is not a win for us either.  Unless something dramatic happens, one cannot say that our lineup is better off than we were before we traded Garver. 

Definitely. I told my season ticket guy just the other day that I wouldn't be renewing my package this year because the team doesn't appear to be investing in the product so I wasn't going to. If this is the roster they go into April with I won't be attending any games unless/until they make changes later in the year. Dumping Donaldson's money was a complete waste unless it's used to bring in a player like Story or Correa. But this is a thread about the catcher that basically replaced Rortvedt so I was speaking on the Rortvedt side of things where I just don't understand being so upset over losing him. I would like to still have him, but losing him is far from organization altering.

[dex8425]

4 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Good points. It’s not the angst over Rortvedt per se.  Its the decimation of a balanced (offense and defense) catching depth chart for what we have now. We are arguably worse off at all three spots and Urshela for JD, despite the cost savings, is not a win for us either.  Unless something dramatic happens, one cannot say that our lineup is better off than we were before we traded Garver. 

Right. Unless we get Story and another starter, our team will be worse overall from the team that finished last in 2021. I would've rather kept Garver and Donaldson, signed Andrelton Simmons, and then done the trade for Sonny Gray. 

[Dman]

4 minutes ago, RJA said:

The Twins have much bigger issues now than a third string catcher--like who is going to play short and who is going to be in the starting rotation and bullpen.  Rortvedt is gone so the Twins need a third catcher, probably more than most in case Sanchez proves incapable of duty a couple times a week and becomes a designated hitter.  It seems to me they picked up somebody who can fill that spot.  In my humble opinion, Rortvedt is probably a better defensive catcher, but I am not sure he has a much upside offensively, so Godoy may be on par or slightly better offensively.  But, it is what it is.  The Twins didn't have the opportunity to pick up Rortvedt, so they got the best they could off the wire.

Yeah they look like pretty similar players at least right now.  Godoy actually looks better at the dish at this point as well.  At least the Twins found someone left handed for that up and down spot.

While I don't think Ben will be a "special" hitter and likely not even average at the MLB level most catchers aren't.  I do think, however, his bat could end up better than someone like Godoy in time but since that ship has sailed I am actually happy about this move.  The FO didn't have to trade to get this guy and the production looks like it will be similar on offense and defense.  It makes me feel a little bit better now that Ben II is in place.

I hope there are even better moves to come.

[LA VIkes Fan]

Guys, I think we're in the same place with these deals that we were Monday. If the trade of Donaldson, IKF and Rotvedt freed up payroll that we spend on Story, someone like him, or helps us extend a Montas type to a 3-4 year deal after trading for him, the Yankees trade makes sense.  If we wind up with what we have now, the trade doesn't make much sense other than lowering payroll. Ben Rotvedt is a glove first 2nd or 3rd string catcher IF he improves his hitting. Right now, he's AAA depth and unlikely to be more unless he hits better. He's not the issue.

The issue is we need another Starting Pitcher and a SS. It's starting to look more and more like those 2 are tied together in the sense that Story may not want to come to the Twins unless and until they sign another quality Starting Pitcher because he's tired of being on a losing team. I don't know that he has a lot of other options but it does strike me that Houston has an opening at shortstop and I suspect others might have an interest. Whether or not trading our prior 3rd string catcher, aging 3rd baseman on the downside of his career but still a quality player for the roughly 100 games year he can actually play, and a decent but not great shortstop we had for a day in return for a decent but not great 3rd baseman and a backup catcher/DH who hits home runs but strikes out too much was a good idea depends on the next step. I went to the garage and found my torch and pitchfork but I haven't yet looked for or found the lighter. In another few days I'll find the lighter. In another week to 10 days I'm ready to storm the castle but not until then.

[Nashvilletwin]

5 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Definitely. I told my season ticket guy just the other day that I wouldn't be renewing my package this year because the team doesn't appear to be investing in the product so I wasn't going to. If this is the roster they go into April with I won't be attending any games unless/until they make changes later in the year. Dumping Donaldson's money was a complete waste unless it's used to bring in a player like Story or Correa. But this is a thread about the catcher that basically replaced Rortvedt so I was speaking on the Rortvedt side of things where I just don't understand being so upset over losing him. I would like to still have him, but losing him is far from organization altering.

You are correct. Losing Rortvedt is not organization altering. But taking an incredibly important and difficulty to fill position like catcher from one of strength to one of weakness can cause both short and long term pain. We went from having two legit starting catchers and one promising youngster with an important  tool set to one legit starter, a reclamation project who has struggled both offensively and defensively, and a career AAAA guy (which Rortvedt might end up being but the Yankees sure seem intent on giving him 30%+ of their innings this year).  

[bean5302]

35 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Career minor league lines:
Rortvedt: 5 seasons, .241/.316/.355/.672
Godoy: 9 seasons, .276/.357/.366/.723

Why do we still talk about Rortvedt like he's got some sort of high hitting upside? He's never been scouted as a good future hitter and his numbers have never suggested he'd be a good future hitter. He doesn't have upside with the bat.

Godoy managed a wRC+ of 84 at age 26 in AAA last year. Rortvedt, wRC+ 101 at age 23. What Godoy did in Rookie Ball does not provide value in his hitting evaluation. Is Rortvedt likely a plus hitter? Nope. He's a defensive stud with the potential of being a close to average MLB hitter. Godoy is a defensively adequate and will be a very below average hitter. There's no real projectability or ceiling left. It's why he was on the waiver wire.

[goliath]

Waiting for Godoy: Derek Vladimir Falvey and Thad Estragon Levine discuss further moves and Twins upcoming season. We'll see how it plays out.

[Nashvilletwin]

7 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Godoy managed a wRC+ of 84 at age 26 in AAA last year. Rortvedt, wRC+ 101 at age 23. What Godoy did in Rookie Ball does not provide value in his hitting evaluation. Is Rortvedt likely a plus hitter? Nope. He's a defensive stud with the potential of being a close to average MLB hitter. Godoy is a defensively adequate and will be a very below average hitter. There's no real projectability or ceiling left. It's why he was on the waiver wire.

Thank you Bean. That’s exactly why Rortvedt>Godoy. You nailed it. 

[chpettit19]

10 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Godoy managed a wRC+ of 84 at age 26 in AAA last year. Rortvedt, wRC+ 101 at age 23. What Godoy did in Rookie Ball does not provide value in his hitting evaluation. Is Rortvedt likely a plus hitter? Nope. He's a defensive stud with the potential of being a close to average MLB hitter. Godoy is a defensively adequate and will be a very below average hitter. There's no real projectability or ceiling left. It's why he was on the waiver wire.

Again, not saying Godoy is anything special or even useful. There isn't a scouting report I've seen or results I've seen that suggest Rortvedt is anything other than a glove only catcher with a below average bat. The numbers I provided were simply to show that Ben Rortvedt isn't some big time prospect or irreplaceable player. He's Drew Butera. Useful guy with a long career. I'm simply asking that people quit talking about Rortvedt like he's something he isn't. Godoy is what he is and that's a 3rd catcher who gets MLB time when someone gets hurt. Rortvedt can be slightly better than that, but we need to quit talking about him like he's some great prospect.

[Nashvilletwin]

Could one of my fellow TDers help me understand this question:

If Player A (let’s say Sanchez) is in the lineup as the DH and Player B is catching (Jeffers in this case) and gets hurt, can Player A replace B in the field as the catcher?

[Five minute major]

I am starting to loathe our FO.

 

[IndianaTwin]

36 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Could one of my fellow TDers help me understand this question:

If Player A (let’s say Sanchez) is in the lineup as the DH and Player B is catching (Jeffers in this case) and gets hurt, can Player A replace B in the field as the catcher?

Yes, but you lose the DH, so the pitcher now hits in Player B’s spot in the order. 

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, goliath said:

Waiting for Godoy: Derek Vladimir Falvey and Thad Estragon Levine discuss further moves and Twins upcoming season. We'll see how it plays out.

Spoiler alert: that other Godoy never shows up to spring training.