Trending Now - Astros Retain Vázquez Amid Impressive Spring Performances
WHO:
Christian Vázquez, 35-year-old veteran catcher
Houston Astros, Major League Baseball team
Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball team
Puerto Rico, national team in the World Baseball Classic
Brian McTaggart, MLB.com Astros beat reporter
Cade Cavalli, right-hander pitcher for the Washington Nationals
Blake Butera, manager of the Washington Nationals
Daniel Vazquez, shortstop for the Kansas City Royals
Matt Quatraro, manager of the Kansas City Royals
WHAT:
The Houston Astros signed Christian Vázquez to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training.
Vázquez was part of the Astros' World Series championship team in 2022 and won a title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
Vázquez batted .189 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 2025.
Vázquez caught every pitch of the Astros’ combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series.
Cade Cavalli pitched four innings, allowing one run on one hit, with six strikeouts in a spring training game.
Cavalli reached a fastball speed of 98.6 mph and averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball.
Daniel Vazquez finished third in the Arizona Fall League with 21 RBIs and posted a .329/.459/.468 slash line.
Vazquez was recognized as an American League Fall Star.
WHERE:
West Palm Beach, Florida, location of Astros spring training
Surprise, Arizona, location of Royals spring training
Wrigley Field, potential Opening Day location for the Nationals
WHEN:
The Astros signed Vázquez on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Vázquez was part of the Astros' 2022 World Series team.
Cavalli's spring training debut was on February 24, 2026.
The Nationals' Opening Day is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
Vázquez was invited to Major League Spring Training on January 27, 2026.
WHY:
The Astros are looking to add backup catching depth after losing Victor Caratini in free agency.
Vázquez aims to build on his performance from the previous season and improve his physical condition.
HOW:
Vázquez will join the Astros after completing his participation with Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Cavalli managed his pitch count effectively during his spring training outing.
(UPDATED March 8, 2026 07:10 UTC)
The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Christian Vázquez to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training, looking to bolster their backup catching depth after losing Victor Caratini in free agency. Vázquez, who was part of the Astros' World Series championship team in 2022, aims to improve on his performance from last season, where he batted .189 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Meanwhile, in spring training action, Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals pitched four innings, allowing just one run while striking out six, showcasing a fastball that reached speeds of 98.6 mph.
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(UPDATED March 7, 2026 20:47 UTC)
The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Christian Vázquez to a minor league deal, marking his return to the team for the first time since their World Series win in 2022. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli is gearing up for his first full season in the Majors after recovering from Tommy John surgery, having recently pitched four strong innings with six strikeouts in a Grapefruit League game. Cavalli's impressive performance has drawn praise from Nationals manager Blake Butera, and if he continues to pitch every five days, he could be set for Opening Day at Wrigley Field on March 26.
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The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Christian Vázquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, as announced on Saturday. Vázquez, who was part of the Astros' 2022 World Series championship team, is returning after a season where he hit .189 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 65 games. The Astros are looking to bolster their backup catching options following the departure of Victor Caratini in free agency.