The Astros Don’t Have to Fix Backup Catcher First, But They Absolutely Have to Fix It
Houston Astros fans have spent the first stretch of spring training circling the obvious needs. A left-handed bat in the outfield. Another dependable arm for the rotation. Speculation around Isaac Paredes and potential roster reshuffling.
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Those conversations are fair.
They’re also missing something.
The backup catcher position may not be the Astros’ most important hole, but it is an extremely necessary one to fill before this season begins.
And pretending otherwise is risky.
Victor Caratini Changed the Standard
What Victor Caratini did last season can’t be overstated.
He wasn’t supposed to be indispensable. He was signed to back up Yainer Diaz. That was the assignment.
Instead, he became a stabilizer.
When Diaz struggled behind the plate, Caratini steadied the pitching staff. When Diaz’s bat cooled or fatigue set in, Caratini stepped in. When first base became unsettled, he logged 15 games there. When a professional at-bat was needed late, he delivered.
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By season’s end, he had appeared in 114 games, including 49 behind the plate. That’s not a luxury piece, that’s structural support that mattered.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth: he raised the expectations for what a backup catcher means in Houston.
This Isn’t About Blame, It’s About Reality
Caratini earned a bigger role as a starting catcher in Minnesota. You couldn’t afford what he was offered. You tip your cap and move on.
But moving on doesn’t mean ignoring the void, it means replacing him somehow, some way.
Right now, that void appears to be filled by Cesar Salazar. No disrespect, but there’s a difference between organizational depth and a proven, multi-role contributor capable of handling significant innings both offensively and defensively as needed.
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And with the way this roster is constructed, that role matters.
Under manager Joe Espada, the backup catcher isn’t just a once-a-week starter. He’s:
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A second pitching coach in gear
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A defensive insurance policy
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A lineup flexibility piece
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A steady clubhouse presence
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A 70–100 game contingency plan
That role may not headline talk radio or dominate social media threads, but over 162 games it absolutely impacts the win column.
Not the Biggest Hole, But a Necessary One
Let’s be clear: if you gave the front office one move to make tomorrow, it probably wouldn’t be a backup catcher.
The rotation depth might be more urgent. The lineup balance might be more visible. A left handed bat might be more necessary. General manager Dana Brown has a lot on his “to do” list and several holes to fill.
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But baseball seasons are rarely undone by the obvious weaknesses. They’re often derailed by the “we’ll figure it out later” spots on the roster.
Backup catcher falls squarely into that category.
If Diaz misses time, or even just needs consistent rest to stay productive, the Astros cannot afford a dramatic drop-off defensively, offensively or in pitcher trust. This pitching staff, like most in baseball, thrives on familiarity and communication. That’s not something you casually replace.
Caratini wasn’t flashy. He was functional. Dependable. Adaptable. Available.
And that’s exactly why replacing him is extremely necessary.
Championship Teams Don’t Leave Necessary Holes Untouched
The Astros are still operating within a competitive window. That means margin matters.
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This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation.
There are veteran catchers available. There are options who may not replicate Caratini’s exact versatility but can at least approximate his reliability. The move doesn’t need to dominate headlines.
It just needs to happen.
Because while backup catcher may not be the most important hole on this roster, it is absolutely one that must be addressed before Opening Day.
Ignore it, and you’re gambling on health, stamina, and internal growth all breaking perfectly.
Address it, and you quietly reinforce the foundation of a team that still expects to contend.
The loud moves draw attention.
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The necessary ones win divisions and factor into extended playoff runs.
