Víctor Caratini is heading north to Minnesota, leaving the Astros in search of a new backup behind Yainer Díaz.
The Astros thanked Caratini for his contributions, but now they need a new backup. The club has shown interest in César Salazar, Carlos Pérez, and most recently, a potential reunion with former Astros catcher Christian Vázquez.
Vázquez, a free agent, is currently with Caratini’s new team in Minnesota, but the Astros appear to have their eye on him. Could Vázquez, who spent 2022 with Houston, be the reliable backup Díaz needs?
Between these three players, here is a look at what they have to offer.
Vázquez is a veteran catcher and an elite defender, known for his game-calling ability. However, over the last two seasons with Minnesota, he has struggled offensively. After a 2025 season that struggled offensively, Houston can’t afford another weak spot at the plate. That said, Vázquez brings experience and reliability behind the plate.
Vázquez – MLB stats:
2025 Regular Season: AB: 190, R: 14, H: 36, HR: 3, RBI: 14, SB: 1, AVG: .189, OBP: .271, OPS: .545
Career Regular Season: AB: 3,244, R: 360, H: 810, HR: 71, RBI: 349, SB: 33, AVG: .250, OBP: .299, OPS: .666
As for Carlos Pérez, he made his major league debut with the Houston Astros. Pérez hasn’t played consistently in the majors but has shown promise with his plate discipline and defensive awareness.
The Astros signed Pérez, 35, in November, and it was recently announced that the former Ranger is among their non-roster invitees for Spring Training.
Pérez – MLB stats:
Career Regular Season (through 2023): AB: 786, R: 64, H: 171, HR: 17, RBI: 78, SB: 4, AVG: .218, OBP: .265, OPS: .592
The youngest of the three, César Salazar, 29, has been with the Astros organization since being drafted in 2018. Although he hasn’t had many opportunities at the major league level, he has shown promise and discipline at the plate.
Salazar isn’t flashy, but he’s cost-controlled, knows Houston, and has shown solid on-base skills in limited time.
Salazar – MLB stats:
2025 Regular Season: AB: 13, R: 0, H: 3, HR: 0, RBI: 1, SB: 0, AVG: .231, OBP: .375, OPS: .606
Career Regular Season: AB: 56, R: 6, H: 13, HR: 0, RBI: 9, SB: 0, AVG: .232, OBP: .318, OPS: .586
The Astros just need a dependable option behind the plate; finding one without busting the luxury tax is the key to keeping this roster flexible.