Astros Could Target This Veteran Catcher in Free Agency
The only position that the Houston Astros will have a new starter in during 2024 will be at catcher. They are ready to turn the keys over to Yainer Diaz after a sensational rookie season.
That position had been held by Martin Maldonado since the latter part of the 2019 season.
What Diaz brings is a much more offensive approach from that position which is something the lineup lacked when Maldonado was the everyday guy. Questions still remain about the effectiveness of Diaz’s defense behind the plate, so the Astros might target a veteran defender to add to their roster.
A free agent that Houston could go after is Jacob Stallings, who was non-tendered by the Miami Marlins.
The 33-year-old was originally acquired by the Marlins in 2021 and was the catcher during 2022 and 2023. His tenure in Miami didn’t go as planned, batting .210/.287/.290 with seven home runs and 54 RBI across 202 games and 587 at-bats.
However, he is viewed as a good defender, winning a Gold Glove with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021.
The Astros are used to not getting much offensive production from the catcher position in the past and could view Stallings as a positive to have on their roster as Diaz continues to grow defensively.
With the limited budget that Houston is projected to have this offseason, Stallings should not cost a lot after struggling the past two years. He would be another depth piece on this roster who could be rotated in to give their stars days off.
The catcher market is not strong either and gives the Astros limited options if they are looking for a veteran presence.
Stallings would give them the defensive upgrade that they’re looking for if they want to go that route.
