Astros Sign Veteran Catcher Christian Vazquez

Vazquez joins crowded backup catcher competition in Houston

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 Spring Training. Vazquez, who has played parts of eight seasons in the majors, will compete with Carlos Perez and Cesar Salazar for the backup catcher job behind starter Jonah Heim. The Astros were likely targeting Vazquez all along, but were able to sign him for a reasonable price rather than the inflated figures that had been speculated.

Why it matters

The Astros' backup catcher battle is an important competition as the team looks to solidify its depth behind the plate. Vazquez, Perez, and Salazar all offer different skill sets, and the Astros will have to weigh factors like offense, defense, and experience as they make their decision.

The details

Vazquez, 32, has a career .259 batting average in the majors with 35 home runs. His offensive numbers have declined in recent years, but the Astros are hoping a change of scenery can help him bounce back. Perez, 27, has shown more power potential in the minors, while the 26-year-old Salazar is known more for his defensive abilities behind the plate. The Astros will evaluate all three players closely in Spring Training to determine the best fit for the backup catcher role.

  • Vazquez signed a minor league deal with the Astros in March 2026.
  • The Astros' backup catcher competition will play out during Spring Training in 2026.

The players

Christian Vazquez

A veteran catcher who has played parts of eight seasons in the majors, most recently with the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. Vazquez will compete for the Astros' backup catcher job in Spring Training.

Carlos Perez

A 27-year-old catcher who has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, most recently with the Oakland Athletics. Perez has shown more power potential in the minors and will also compete for the Astros' backup catcher role.

Cesar Salazar

A 26-year-old catcher known more for his defensive abilities behind the plate. Salazar has had limited playing time in the majors and will look to earn a spot on the Astros' roster as the backup catcher.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Astros will evaluate the three catchers closely during Spring Training to determine the best fit for the backup catcher role behind Jonah Heim.

The takeaway

The Astros' backup catcher competition is an important one as the team looks to solidify its depth behind the plate. Vazquez, Perez, and Salazar all offer different skill sets, and the Astros will have to weigh factors like offense, defense, and experience as they make their decision.