Astros in danger of losing ‘critical’ catcher to free agency initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Yainer Diaz tasks to be the Houston Astros‘ beginning catcher on Opening Day of the 2026 season, however who the backup shall be is a thriller.
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Houston has Cesar Salazar on the roster for the foreseeable future, however he has simply 36 video games of expertise courting again to the 2023 season.
The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reviews the Astros would welcome a reunion with Victor Caratini, however there are different golf equipment.
“Victor Caratini became a critical part of [Joe] Espada’s roster flexibility, contributing as a designated hitter, occasional first baseman, and as one of the team’s most trusted pinch hitters,” Rome wrote.
“The Astros have interest in a reunion with Caratini, but clubs in search of everyday catchers have identified Caratini as a target and could make him more lucrative offers,” Rome added. “It stands to reason, too, that Caratini would prefer more regular playing time after two successful seasons in Houston.”
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Teams in want of a backup catcher
If Caratini leaves the Astros in free agency, the membership would nonetheless be seemingly to discover a backup for Diaz regardless of Salazar’s presence.
One membership in want of a right-handed-hitting catcher is the New York Yankees, and though Caratini is a switch-hitter, he might platoon with Austin Wells and or cut up first base duties with Ben Rice.
The Texas Rangers are thin at catcher after non-tendering Jonah Heim, and the Seattle Mariners are a match for Caratini, too, in the event that they go on re-signing Mitch Garver.