Astros go into the offseason looking to improve depth at catcher

Jared Bloom

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Astros go into the offseason looking to improve depth at catcher image

The Houston Astros are coming off a rather unproductive season. They missed the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season and are looking to make it back there in 2026. 

Houston has a few holes to fill, especially in the starting pitching department. They will likely be without Framber Valdez, who has served as the team's ace for years, now that he is a free agent. 

However, they could also use some depth at catcher. Yainer Diaz has done well, but they are limited because Victor Caratini, the club's backup catcher, is now a free agent. 

Astros go into the offseason looking to improve depth at catcher

Catching is typically one of the weakest markets every offseason, and that is no different this winter. There are not a lot of names to choose from, but there are a couple. J.T. Realmuto is a free agent, alongside Danny Jansen and Christian Vazquez. 

According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, Houston may find it hard to secure another backstop with the number of clubs looking to improve. 

"I find the catching market interesting as the Nationals have joined the Rays, Padres, Astros, Brewers and Rangers in making calls to improve their depth at the position. The teams getting the most calls and texts about catchers are the Orioles (on Adley Rutschman), the Royals (on prospect Blake Mitchell), the White Sox (on Edgar Quero) and the Mariners (on prospect Harry Ford)."

Bowden explains that with such a weak catching market, some of these teams have been calling other teams to see what it would take to engage in a trade, with Adley Rutschman being the top name here. 

It will be interesting to see how this market plays out. There are plenty of trades to be had here, and it could all start to snowball here over the next few weeks.

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