How Houston Astros 'catcher of the future' could be put on hold

CAUSE FOR PAUSE

It's no surprise that Justin Verlander's return to the Houston Astros will have massive implications for the team not only this season, but heading into next year and beyond.

While Houston GM Dana Brown has said that Yainer Diaz is the catcher of the future, would anyone be surprised if Martin Maldonado returns to the Astros in 2024? And if he does, what would keep him from catching Verlander, and Framber Valdez if they want him in that role? Hey, let's be honest, we know for a fact that they do. Verlander and Framber love throwing to him.

We also know Maldy was working to get JV back to the Astros, catcher Korey Lee was traded to Chicago in the Kendall Graveman deal, and Machete once again proved his worth by calling the pitches for Framber's no-hitter.

The Astros are obviously all in to win a championship in 2023 and 2024, so bringing Maldy back for one more year seems more likely than not. Especially if Dusty Baker has anything to say about it.

Which brings up another question. Does Verlander's return all but assure Dusty Baker AND Maldonado are locks to return in 2024? And if they do come back, it's hard to see Dusty naming Diaz the starter over Maldy when he's been reluctant to do so this year, despite Maldonado's glaring offensive and defensive struggles.

Let's make this clear, this isn't a conversation about what we think they should do. This is about how we see things playing out based on what the Astros and Baker have shown us over the last several years.

We would actually be open to Maldonado returning, if he truly is the backup and only catching about twice a week. But we could see Dusty leaning on his veteran catcher for one more year if it's his call in the end.

Perhaps there could be a compromise between Dana Brown and Dusty. Brown could agree to bring Maldonado back if Dusty agrees to play Diaz at catcher for at least three out of every five starts. Something we've been clamoring for over the last few months.

Be sure to watch the video above as we project how this situation could unfold heading into next season.

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Who can the Astros turn to? Composite Getty Image.

In Houston, the winning standard has been set so high that anything short of World Series contention now feels like failure. And yet, the 2025 Astros find themselves at an unfamiliar crossroads—caught between the fading brilliance of past stars and the uncertain promise of what comes next.

Jose Altuve is at the center of this issue. His early struggles (-0.5 WAR) may indicate more than just a temporary slump. And when he swung at the first pitch after Lance McCullers had just endured a grueling 33-pitch inning on Sunday, it raised a bigger question: who has the influence to talk to Altuve?

The Astros’ culture has long been praised for its accountability, but who inside the clubhouse has the standing to challenge or counsel Altuve or other vets when needed? With so many veteran voices gone, there’s a growing sense that no one does—and that’s a problem. That’s why the idea of bringing back Michael Brantley—not as a player, but as a respected voice—could make some sense. Brantley was always viewed as a quiet leader, and his presence could restore some of the guidance this roster desperately needs.

Batter up?

While the Astros have built a reputation for reviving pitchers' careers, their track record with hitters is far less impressive. There are few, if any, examples of a bat joining Houston and unlocking a new level. That failure in development becomes especially stark when considering how much they’re currently leaning on homegrown youth.

Which brings us to Zach Dezenzo. The 24-year-old rookie is showing he belongs—his .737 OPS makes him one of the more productive bats in a lineup that desperately needs stability while Yordan Alvarez nurses an injury. While Victor Caratini provides the Astros with the ability to switch hit, he's hitting just .217. Dezenzo should be starting every day in left, with Yordan out. Jose Altuve, who has already played too many innings this year, should be shifted to DH duties to ease his physical burden. The Astros should go with Cam Smith in right and keep Jake Meyers in center to round out the outfield.

GM Dana Brown has made clear that he views Dezenzo as a first baseman or left fielder for the future. So why not get him in the lineup while Yordan's out and see what he can do with consistent playing time?

Of course, losing Yordan Alvarez is always going to hurt. But the numbers tell a surprising story. Yordan currently holds a -0.4 WAR, right there alongside Altuve and Christian Walker as the only Astros with negative marks. On paper, the team hasn’t lost much production. But let’s not kid ourselves—Yordan’s mere presence alters how opponents pitch to this team. The lineup without him lacks fear factor, and the margins get razor-thin.

Speaking of margins, one move that may haunt this front office is the decision to sign Christian Walker. The veteran first baseman is hitting just .205 with a .617 OPS—far below the level expected from a player earning $20 million annually through 2027. Compare that to Jon Singleton, who posted better numbers in 2024 and currently boasts an .880 OPS in Triple-A with the Mets organization. Walker's defense is strong, but it's hard to argue that justifies the price tag. Singleton might not be a Gold Glover, or anything close, but he came much cheaper and was quietly more productive with the bat.

No regrets?

There’s also a broader question looming: if fans had known that Altuve’s massive contract extension would potentially cost the team the ability to re-sign current MVP candidates Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, would they still have supported the deal? Hindsight is cruel, but with Altuve’s decline and Tucker and Bregman thriving, it’s a fair debate. Houston might have paid for the past instead of securing its future.

Big deals on the horizon?

All eyes now turn to owner Jim Crane. This winter, Houston's payroll will have considerable room to maneuver. But will Crane commit to restocking the lineup with All-Star-caliber bats, or will his reluctance to offer long-term deals keep the Astros stuck in a holding pattern? It’s one thing to let players walk. It’s another to fail to replace them.

The Astros still have the bones of a contender, but the road back to dominance is getting steeper. The team can’t simply rely on what used to work. It’s time for difficult conversations, bold lineup changes, and a rethinking of how this organization develops—and retains—offensive talent.

We have so much more to get to. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!

*ChatGPT assisted.

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