Astros linked to reunion with two-time World Series champion catcher

The Houston Astros currently have a hole at the backup catcher position. 

"Following Victor Caratini’s departure to the Minnesota Twins, [Cesar] Salazar and [Yainer] Diaz are the only two catchers on Houston’s 40-man roster," The Athletic's Chandler Rome wrote Thursday.

"The team is still searching for a more established backup to compete in spring training with Salazar, whom the team is worried about overexposing at the major-league level." 

A "more established backup" may be someone like Christian Vazquez, who was an Astros midseason acquisition from the Boston Red Sox in 2022. Vazquez, 35, hit .189/.271/.274 with three home runs and a .545 OPS in 65 games with the Minnesota Twins last season. 

Astros interested in reunion with Vazquez 

Given Vazquez's past relationship with the AL West club and the slim catching market in free agency, a reunion makes sense. At this stage of his career and the offseason, Houston could persuade Vazquez to accept a minor league deal. 

"Bear in mind: Caratini caught 48 games last season as Diaz’s backup," Rome added. "Salazar has caught 12 complete games in his three-year major-league career." 

Vazquez is a much more experienced catcher than Salazar, logging 925 appearances as a backstop during his 11-year career. What he provides on defense and handling the pitching staff would take priority over his below-average offensive capabilities.

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