There was a noticeable amount of consternation surrounding the Astros’ catching situation last season, with plenty of it justifiable. It makes sense why those feelings were prevalent as Yainer Díaz was essentially designated as a third catcher with little playing time to start the season. Sure, his playing time did increase as the season wore on, minus the postseason. But for as much good as Dusty Baker did in his tenure with Houston, prioritizing Martín Maldonado at the rate he did over Díaz was arguably his biggest miscue.
The catcher situation for the Astros is now far different than it was a year ago when it wasn’t even certain if Díaz would make the team as the backup catcher.