Pozo Finding His Stride with the St. Louis Cardinals

In the unpredictable landscape of Major League Baseball, stories of perseverance and second chances often resonate the deepest. For Yohel Pozo, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Venezuelan catcher, his journey to becoming a vital piece of the Redbirds’ roster in 2025 is a testament to his skill and determination.

Pozo Showed Promise at a Young Age

Born on June 14, 1997, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Pozo’s baseball dreams were instilled in him at a young age by his grandfather and father. Both of whom had their own baseball aspirations. His talent was recognized early. This led to him representing Venezuela in the 2009 Little League World Series. Eventually, he signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2013.

The road through the minor leagues is a grind, and Pozo experienced his share of ups and downs. He steadily climbed through the Rangers’ system, showcasing a consistent bat at various levels. He impressed with his hitting prowess, particularly in 2016 where he slashed an impressive .343/.382/.448 in Rookie ball. Furthermore, his minor league career is marked by solid batting averages. Often hovering around the .300 mark, and a knack for making contact. Pozo has consistently put up good numbers, demonstrating a natural feel for hitting and an ability to drive the ball.

Overcoming Adversity

However, the path to the big leagues is rarely linear. After years in the minors, Pozo finally made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on August 13, 2021. A moment he shared with his family, recognizing it as a collective dream come true. In his debut, he notched his first career hit and even blasted his first MLB home run. Yet, his initial stint in the majors was brief, appearing in just 21 games before being non-tendered by the Rangers at the end of the 2021 season.

What followed for Pozo was a period of personal struggles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family faced hard times, including a period where they were homeless and living in their car. All while caring for his ill son. This challenging chapter highlights the resilience and dedication Pozo possesses. He never gave up on his baseball dream despite such adversity.

His journey back to the big leagues saw him sign minor league deals. First re-signing with the Rangers, then with the Oakland Athletics, consistently performing well at the Triple-A level. In 2023 with the Las Vegas Aviators, he put up stellar numbers, batting .306/.338/.523 with 18 home runs and 81 RBI. He continued this strong performance in 2024, hitting .324/.335/.538 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI. These consistent offensive contributions at Triple-A kept him on the radar of MLB clubs.

Pozo Finds His Way to St. Louis

The Cardinals, always on the lookout for reliable talent, brought Pozo in. His promotion to the big league club in April 2025 marked a significant turning point. Since joining the Cardinals, Pozo has quickly established himself as a valuable asset, particularly with his bat. As of early July 2025, he has been a consistent offensive presence, boasting a .321 batting average, 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs in 32 games for St. Louis. His ability to hit for average and provide timely offense, often coming off the bench, has made him one of the Cardinals’ best bats.

Pozo’s story is more than just about baseball statistics. It’s about overcoming adversity to pursue a lifelong dream. From living in a car to hitting go-ahead home runs in the major leagues, Pozo’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As he continues to carve out his niche with the Cardinals, he embodies the heart and grit that fans admire. Proving that a strong bat and an even stronger will can open doors in the toughest of games. The Cardinals faithful have embraced their new catcher, eager to see what more this inspiring player will achieve.