Houston Astros Eye New Depth at Catcher After Signing Former Rangers Backstop

The Houston Astros may have found a fresh solution behind the plate after bringing in a familiar American League name. With veteran catcher Victor Caratini expected to miss early-season time due to injury, the club made a move that could bolster its depth at a key position. The signing of former Texas Rangers catcher Sandy León gives Houston another experienced option as spring training approaches.

The Astros have been searching for stability at catcher since Caratini’s injury was announced. While starter Yainer Diaz is expected to shoulder most of the workload, the team needs reliable support to navigate the long grind of a 162-game season. León, a seasoned defender with time on multiple MLB rosters, may provide the insurance Houston needs.

Why Catcher Depth Matters for the Astros

Catching depth has been an ongoing concern for Houston. Over several seasons, the Astros leaned heavily on defense-first veterans. Díaz emerged last season as an offensive threat, but the club still values a steady backup who can manage the staff and handle high-pressure innings.

Adding León gives the Astros a backstop who understands the AL West landscape and brings strong defensive instincts. While his bat has never been a major part of his game, León’s ability to work with pitchers and manage game flow is widely respected.

For a team chasing another deep postseason run, that skill set matters. The pitching staff remains one of the most important components of the Astros’ identity, and having a veteran presence to complement Díaz could pay off in tight matchups.

What’s Next for Houston?

As the Astros prepare for spring training in West Palm Beach, the catcher position will be one of the most-watched battles. León will likely compete with internal candidates for the backup role until Caratini returns.

If he performs well, Houston may have found a solid bridge — and possibly even long-term depth — at a low cost.

The move signals that the Astros are not waiting around. They’re addressing needs now, ensuring the roster stays strong as the regular season approaches. With expectations high across Houston, fans will keep a close eye on this spring competition.

This article is a summary of reporting by Nolan Writin. Read the full story here.