WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Christian Vázquez is coming back to Houston, this time on a minor league deal.
The veteran catcher, a member of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team, has agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Vázquez is expected to join the club after completing his commitment with Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
The move addresses a clear need behind the plate. The Astros lost backup catcher Victor Caratini in free agency this offseason, leaving César Salazar and veteran Carlos Pérez competing for the backup role behind starter Yainer Diaz. Adding Vázquez provides Houston with another experienced option and a familiar presence in the clubhouse.
Vázquez, 35, spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Twins after leaving Houston. His offensive production has declined in recent years, however. In 65 games last season, he slashed .189/.271/.274 with three home runs.
At this stage of his career, Vázquez profiles primarily as depth rather than a long-term solution. But depth is precisely what the Astros are seeking as they sort through their catching situation this spring.
His history with Houston remains notable. The Astros acquired Vázquez from the Boston Red Sox at the 2022 trade deadline, sending Enmanuel Valdez and Wilyer Abreu to Boston in the deal.
Vázquez caught every pitch of the combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, when Cristian Javier, Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly shut down the Philadelphia Phillies in one of the most memorable performances in franchise history. He also started at designated hitter in the Game 6 clincher, going 1-for-3 with an RBI as Houston secured the championship.
It may not be that kind of chapter this time around. But for a team still evaluating its catching depth, bringing back a veteran with two championship rings and firsthand knowledge of the Astros’ system represents a low-risk move on a minor league deal.
