Astros Manager Prepping Young Catcher for Starting Role
The Houston Astros made their commitment to catcher Yainer Diaz for the 2024 season and the time is growing near for him to start getting ready for 2024.
During the Winter Meetings in Nashville on Monday, new Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters that he’s already laying the groundwork for next season, as he’s spoken to Diaz at least once a week since taking over for Dusty Baker, who retired after the postseason.
The plan, at least before the Astros head to Florida for Spring Training, Espada says is to increase his communication with Diaz as he prepares for his first full season as the starter.
Diaz quickly became a fan favorite in his rookie season as he batted .282/.308/.538/.846 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 104 games. He ended up finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
But his presence on the team, juxtaposed against veteran Martín Maldonado, caused some controversy, especially as Baker valued Maldonado’s work with the pitching staff.
But, Maldonado wasn’t in Diaz’s league as a hitter, and frankly never has been. He slashed .191/.258/.348/.606 with 15 home runs and 36 RBI in 2023, and it was the third straight season in which his batting average fell below .200.
In fact, Maldonado has a lifetime batting average of .207.
That’s part of the reason why Diaz is moving into a starting role now that Maldonado is a free agent. The Astros aren’t ruling out a reunion for 2024, but if he returns it will be as Diaz’s backup.
It’s also why general manager Dana Brown is looking for catching help during the Winter Meetings. The only other catcher on the Astros’ 40-man roster is César Salazar, who has 18 MLB at-bats with Houston last season.
It’s clearly Diaz’s time, and Espada is preparing him for the workload ahead in 2024.
