The Houston Astros haven’t done anything this offseason and it’s increasingly likely that Framber Valdez will walk. Unless Houston has a plan, it will be a worse team without Valdez. However, other areas need help, including behind the plate.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report noted that the backup catcher position is one of the few remaining positions Houston could look to make an addition, and Jonah Heim could be a target.
Heim, a former Texas Rangers World Series champion and All-Star, would bring a player who could be a legitimate starter.
“Assuming the Astros are content with their options in center field and right field (Jesús Sánchez, Jake Meyers, Cam Smith and Zach Cole) and for the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation (Mike Burrows, Ryan Weiss, Lance McCullers Jr., Jason Alexander, Nate Pearson and Spencer Arrighetti), backup catcher might be all that's left on the offseason shopping list. A reunion with Victor Caratini is still a possibility, while Jonah Heim and Reese McGuire are also available,” Reuter wrote.
There have been times when Heim has been really, really good in his career. He was an All-Star and Gold Glover in 2023.
Fast forward to 2025, and he was brutal, frankly, posting a 77 OPS+. However, even if he continues to struggle offensively, he’s shown he can man a staff, and that matters.
More Astros news:
- Astros’ Ryan Pressly connected to reunion with team he made his debut with back in 2015
- Astros blockbuster trade pitch sends Brice Matthews and three more players to Nationals for 26-year-old All-Star
- Astros’ Framber Valdez market expected to heat up in coming days once Japanese ace signs
- Former Astros star Alex Bregman predicted to make logical Red Sox decision after Pete Alonso signing
- Astros reportedly tried to trade for an ace at the trade deadline and have interest in him again in the offseason
- Astros’ Framber Valdez reportedly seeking one important thing in MLB free agency