Houston Astros GM Dana Brown faces a pivotal moment. The Kansas City Royals have just secured free-agent catcher Elias Diaz with a minor-league deal, leaving the Astros searching for answers.
This isn't the first time the Astros have missed out on a key catching prospect. Earlier this month, Jonah Heim, a former All-Star and Gold Glove recipient, signed with the Braves, and Mitch Garver inked a deal with the Mariners, potentially earning over $2 million if he makes the Opening Day roster.
Before the offseason kicked off, Brown hinted at prioritizing a reunion with Victor Caratini. However, that ship sailed when Caratini signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.
When asked about the team's strategy for catchers, Brown expressed confidence in backup Cesar Salazar but remained open to upgrades. "We feel good about Salazar," he said.
"He’s good enough to be our backup. We got spoiled with Caratini, who could start on many teams.
If we can upgrade, we will. If not, Salazar will be the guy until we can."
Currently, the Astros have catching depth in camp, but with limited Major League experience outside of Salazar and starter Yainer Diaz. Having recently freed up salary space by trading Jesús Sanchez to the Blue Jays, the Astros have been linked to Christian Vazquez throughout the offseason. So, what's the delay?
With the catching talent pool already shallow and Diaz off the board, Vazquez stands out as the last notable option. It's time for the Astros to make their move.