The Cubs traded left-hander Mike Montgomery to the Royals for Maldonado, a 2017 Gold Glove winner, on Monday night and have now set their plan for the interim without Contreras, who's on the 10-day injured list with a right foot strain. Contreras expects to be back for the start of a nine-game road trip next week, he said.
Which then begs the question: Will the Cubs keep Caratini as a third catcher after the return of Contreras?
"It would present differently," manager Joe Maddon said of potentially working three catchers. "We would have to parcel out the work in a manner that satisfies all of them. That would not be easy. However, that would open up pinch-hitting opportunities for guys in a good matchup situations also. We have talked about it, but it is hard to not pick up Martin Maldonado if he is available."
The new role may look shaky for Caratini on a short-term basis, as he has gained interest from other teams across the MLB landscape that could lead to him being part of a trade before the July 31 trade deadline. Caratini is hitting .289 with four home runs and 17 RBIs in 38 games this season.
Young, contract-controllable catchers with MLB experience and cost sustainability are tough to find, and Caratini represents that. He has impressed scouts with his game-calling and hitting from both sides of the plate.
The Cubs' front office has options. Caratini also has options left on his contract and can be returned for a brief minor league stint if three catchers or a deal doesn't work out.
Caratini has improved dramatically behind the plate with the help of catching guru Mike Borzello and Contreras.
"The most important thing for us is we have open lines of communication with each other," Caratini said. "We bounce ideas off of each other. Open communication is the key."
Caratini also plays first base and came up as a third baseman, though Maddon said he wouldn't use him at third because of depth at the position. Contreras plays the two corner outfield positions as well.
The next few weeks will determine a lot for the Cubs and perhaps Caratini as well. Getting Maldonado almost automatically would make him the backup catcher until the end of the season.
Caratini has become a favorite of the Cubs' pitching staff.
"We are so lucky to have two guys like Victor and Willson that are so good helping execute the game plan," right-hander Kyle Hendricks said. "They are great with their all-around game. Victor has blossomed this year and opened up his game and communication."
The usage of Caratini will be determined by Maddon for now and possibly team president of baseball operations Theo Epstein beyond the present.
"Since Victor got to the team, we have focused on helping each other and sharing ideas," Contreras said. "Having Victor by my side has been nothing but great."