Houston Astros Rookie Proves He is Future Franchise Cornerstone

For years, it feels like the Houston Astros have had game changers in their minor league pipeline, waiting to dominate the MLB when they eventually get called up.

It started with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa, who were instrumental in bringing home the franchise's first World Series title in 2017. That baton was then passed to Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena.

Now, it looks like the Astros have done it again.

Their rookie catcher Yainer Diaz is showing that he's not only one of the top young players in the game, but he's showing that he can be a franchise cornerstone.

After being acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Guardians in 2021, Diaz made the Opening Day roster for Houston this season and has shown why he was such a coveted international prospect.

The catcher has 21 home runs in his rookie season, becoming the seventh player in rookie in franchise history to reach that mark.

Brian McTaggert of MLB.com writes, "While playing as the backup to veteran Martín Maldonado, he emerged as an offensive force, hitting .286 with 21 homers, 56 RBIs and an .847 OPS in 95 games. Behind the plate, he ranks among Major League leaders in Caught Stealing Outs Above Average, Catcher Blocks Above Average and pop time, while throwing out 32 percent of base-stealers. The Astros have found their catcher of the future."

With Maldonado in his age 37 season, the front office was potentially looking at the free agent market to find his eventual replacement.

That is no longer the case.

Diaz brings a defensive presence that the veteran catcher is known for while also increasing the firepower from the position that the Astros haven't had with Maldonado.

It's been an impressive season for the rookie as he continues to show that he will be a major part of this franchise for years to come.