Astros Sign Former Red Sox Catcher to Minor League Deal

Christian Vazquez returns to Houston on a minor league contract with a spring training invite.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Christian Vazquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Vazquez previously played for the Astros in 2022 after being traded from the Boston Red Sox, helping the team win the World Series. He then signed with the Minnesota Twins but struggled offensively over the past three seasons. Despite the decline in his batting, Vazquez remains a strong defensive catcher and will compete for a roster spot with the Astros.

Why it matters

The Astros are looking to add experienced catching depth behind their starting catcher Yainer Díaz after losing Victor Caratini in free agency. Vazquez's defensive skills and past postseason success make him an attractive option to provide veteran leadership and insurance at the position.

The details

Vazquez, 35, will join the Astros after playing for the Puerto Rico national team in the World Baseball Classic. He previously played for Houston in 2022 after being traded from the Boston Red Sox, helping the team win the World Series. Vazquez then signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Minnesota Twins, but his offensive production declined over the past three seasons, batting just .215/.267/.311 in 884 plate appearances. However, Vazquez remains a strong defensive catcher, recording +5 Defensive Runs Saved in 519 innings last year and throwing out 14 of 56 attempted base stealers.

  • Vazquez signed a minor league contract with the Astros on March 8, 2026.
  • Vazquez will join the Astros after playing for the Puerto Rico national team in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Christian Vazquez

A 35-year-old veteran catcher who previously played for the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, winning a World Series title with each team.

Yainer Díaz

The Astros' starting catcher, who will have additional veteran depth behind him with the signing of Vazquez.

Victor Caratini

A catcher who left the Astros in free agency, leading the team to pursue additional catching depth.

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What’s next

Vazquez will compete with Cesar Salazar and Carlos Perez for a roster spot with the Astros during spring training.

The takeaway

The Astros are adding veteran catching depth with the signing of Christian Vazquez, who has previous experience with the team and a strong defensive reputation, despite his recent offensive struggles. This move provides insurance behind starting catcher Yainer Díaz and could pay dividends if Vazquez can recapture his form from the Astros' 2022 championship season.