As the Houston Astros enter the 2024 season, there aren't many questions for them to answer. Sure, the Astros could always get better, but the same core will likely return barring any trades before the season.
Houston decided to let Martin Maldonado walk, setting up Yainer Diaz to be the main option behind the dish. Diaz, who was much better than Maldonado in 2023, finally gets a chance to show what he can do with a big sample size.
While Maldonado was once a great defensive catcher, his inability to do anything offensively was frustrating. His .191/.259/.348 slash line last season was the final straw after struggling at the plate for most of his career.
With Diaz getting this opportunity, expect him to have to solidify himself as one of the top offensive catchers in the game.
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart says that Diaz is the most likely breakout star for the Astros in 2024, noting his ability to hit 30-plus home runs if he gets 500 plate appearances.
Diaz finished the 2023 season with 377 plate appearances, slashing .282/.308/.538 with 23 home runs and 22 doubles. The advanced stats backed up his production, posting an xSLG in the 96th percentile, an xBA in the 92nd percentile, an xwOBA in the 84th percentile, and a barrel% in the 79th percentile, according to BaseballSavant.
The 25-year-old struggled framing, ranking in the 21st percentile, but had a blocks above average in the 90th percentile, and a pop time in the 86th percentile.
Allowing Diaz to take over the everyday starting job was a smart decision for Houston and he'll show that in '24.
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