The Houston Astros have a void at the catcher position to fill. Here’s why they should attempt to fill that void by prying star catcher Salvador Perez away from the Royals.
After winning the World Series in 2017, theHouston Astrosdidn’t get complacent. They promptly proceeded to go out and add two relievers inHector RondonandJoe Smith, who had some struggles but ultimately were great additions.
Later in the offseason, the team pulled off a blockbusting trade when they dealt to getGerrit Colefrom the Pirates, for what was a very cheap price. Cole vastly exceeded expectations posting numbers that should get him top ten Cy Young votes.
Even as the season progressed, the Astros still didn’t get complacent. They made three trades in the month of July in order to improve the team to make a major playoff push. They added relieversRoberto OsunaandRyan Presslyin addition to catcherMartin Maldonado.
Maldonado helped solidify the catching position for the Astros afterMax Stassifell off after his early season surge andBrian McCannwas on the DL with a knee injury. Maldonado was very, very solid. He provided some surprising offense but really brought defensive excellence and quickly earned the trust of the pitching staff.
Maldonado is now a free agent, free to sign anywhere he pleases, as is McCann after the Astros opted to not exercise his team option for next season. Stassi had a good month or so of offense but never fully gained the entire pitching staff’s trust.
Thus, theHouston Astroshave a void to fill at catcher. There are free agency options such asYasmani GrandalandWilson Ramoswho could fill the void.JT Realmutois probably the mostpopular optionas he is arguably the best offensive catcher in the game. However, the best guy for the job may beSalvador Perezfrom the Royals, here’s why.
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