*Photo from CBS Sports*
In their quest for a backup catcher, the Houston Astros turned to a familiar face. The Astros have signed C Jason Castro to a two year, $7 million deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Castro previously spent 6 major league seasons with the Astros, at the start of his career in 2010, until the end of the 2016 season. Castro's deal also includes another $2 million in bonuses. The Astros have confirmed the deal.
Castro spent the shortened 2020 season with the Los Angeles Angels and the San Diego Padres, posting a .188 average with a .668 OPS, hitting two homers and 9 RBI in 27 games played, serving as mostly a starting catcher for the Angels, but transitioning to a backup role with the Padres. In his 10 major league seasons, Castro is a .230 hitter with a .702 OPS, hitting 88 homers and driving in 301 runs in 852 games played.
Astros GM James Click spoke about their pursuit of a backup catcher, saying that "It is something that was a priority for us this offseason. We obviously feel good about the catchers that we had on the roster last year, but it's an area, like pitching, where depth can become a deficit very quickly. The physical demands of that position are obviously pretty strenuous. Adding somebody of Jason's character, his reputation, his knowledge of Strommy and the pitching staff was a priority, so that makes me feel a lot better about the roster."
Castro talked about the decision to come back to Houston, saying that "Having spent my first seven years in the big leagues here with Houston and being drafted here and making Houston my home, it was a fairly easy decision. The family is excited that we get to be back home for the season."
Castro figures to be Martin Maldonado's backup for his tenure in Houston, as Maldonado is a top level catcher, especially with his glove and arm, being one of the best defensive catchers as well.
Castro spoke about his relationship with Maldonado, saying that "I've played against him for a long time now, and just having that kind of opposition relationship with him, knowing how he plays the game, he's a hard worker. I've heard really good things about him as far as his interactions with handling the pitchers. He actually texted me yesterday, so we got to talk briefly, just connected before Spring Training."
Castro and Maldonado have the catcher position all shored up in Houston, with the Astros still looking to add another outfielder and another relief pitcher for the bullpen.
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