Houston Astros Newly Signed Catcher Named as Breakout Star Candidate in 2024
As the Houston Astros enter the 2024 season, there aren’t many questions for them to answer. Sure, the Astros could always get better, but the same core will likely return barring any trades before the season.
Houston decided to let Martin Maldonado walk, setting up Yainer Diaz to be the main option behind the dish. Diaz, who was much better than Maldonado in 2023, finally gets a chance to show what he can do with a big sample size.
While Maldonado was once a great defensive catcher, his inability to do anything offensively was frustrating. His .191/.259/.348 slash line last season was the final straw after struggling at the plate for most of his career.
With Diaz getting this opportunity, expect him to have to solidify himself as one of the top offensive catchers in the game.
MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart says that Diaz is the most likely breakout star for the Astros in 2024, noting his ability to hit 30-plus home runs if he gets 500 plate appearances.
Diaz finished the 2023 season with 377 plate appearances, slashing .282/.308/.538 with 23 home runs and 22 doubles. The advanced stats backed up his production, posting an xSLG in the 96th percentile, an xBA in the 92nd percentile, an xwOBA in the 84th percentile, and a barrel% in the 79th percentile, according to BaseballSavant.
The 25-year-old struggled framing, ranking in the 21st percentile, but had a blocks above average in the 90th percentile, and a pop time in the 86th percentile.
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Allowing Diaz to take over the everyday starting job was a smart decision for Houston and he’ll show that in ’24.
The Houston Astros will have to find ways to add talent at the margins given their current financial situation. Their television deal has the money situation up in the air and helps explain why owner Jim Crane is hesitant to add any payroll or pursue any big free agent names.
However, one addition the Astros could make is for Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez according to Francys Romero.
Rodriguez has never pitched at the MLB level, instead he has spent the majority of his career in Cuba or in Japan in the NBL. He is only 27-years-old and plenty of upside, it’s why the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees are also showing interest in the righty.
Across eight seasons and multiple foreign leagues, Rodriguez has compiled a 3.06 ERA over the course of 731.1 innings pitched. How well that will translate to the Major League level remains to be seen but scouts and teams remain high on Rodriguez.
Houston could use some bullpen help, but Rodriguez also projects well as a starter if the Astros wish to try and stretch him out. MLBTR has Rodriguez projected to earn a four-year, $32 million deal in free agency, which should still be in Houston’s price range.
One thing is clear this offseason, the Astros need to add pitching depth, both for the rotation and the bullpen. The trick will be how they can do it while fitting underneath the luxury tax threshold while also shedding payroll at the same time.
