Astros Sign Former Red Sox, Twins 2X World Series Champion Catcher

Veteran backstop Christian Vazquez joins Houston on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Houston Astros have added to their catching depth by signing veteran catcher Christian Vazquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Vazquez, a two-time World Series champion, has 11 years of MLB experience, including a brief stint with the Astros in 2022.

Why it matters

The Astros are looking to bolster their catching corps behind starter Yainer Diaz, who has limited MLB experience. Vazquez's defensive skills and familiarity with some Astros pitchers could make him a valuable addition as the team aims to defend its World Series title.

The details

Vazquez, 35, has played for the Boston Red Sox, Astros, and Minnesota Twins over his 11-year MLB career. Known as a defense-first catcher, he has a career .250/.299/.367 batting line with a .666 OPS and an average of 12 home runs per 162 games. He was behind the plate for the Astros' combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series.

  • Vazquez signed his minor league contract with the Astros on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Vazquez is currently in San Juan, Puerto Rico, playing for the Puerto Rican team in the World Baseball Classic, so his arrival at Astros spring training will depend on how far his team advances in the tournament.

The players

Christian Vazquez

A 35-year-old catcher with 11 years of MLB experience, including two World Series championships, who has signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros.

Yainer Diaz

The Astros' current starting catcher, who has just 36 games of MLB experience.

Cezar Salazar

The Astros' current backup catcher, who has 36 games of MLB experience.

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What’s next

Vazquez's arrival at Astros spring training will depend on how far the Puerto Rican team advances in the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The Astros are adding valuable veteran experience and defensive expertise to their catching corps by signing Christian Vazquez, a two-time World Series champion, to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.