Yainer Diaz Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 0" / 195 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 9/21/1998 (25)
- Experience
- 2
- College
- None
Yainer Diaz Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Yainer Diaz News
Yainer Diaz has accepted the role of full-time catcher for the Houston Astros. The 25-year-old is reportedly going to "let things flow" this year, refusing to let the pressure overwhelm him. Houston's new manager Joe Espada showed his support for D az, stating that he is "ready for the challenge." D az was certainly up to the challenge in 2023, mashing 23 homes in just 104 games. Looking ahead, the Astros believe he will be a solid catcher for the foreseeable future.
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said the team will be on the lookout for backup catcher options this offseason, as they plan to enter the 2024 season with Yainer Diaz as "the guy." Martin Maldonado was the club's primary backstop in 2023, but he will head to free agency this winter. The Astros saw enough from Diaz this year to move forward with him as their starting catcher in 2024. In 355 at-bats, the 25-year-old Dominican hit .282 (100-for-355) with 23 home runs, 22 doubles, 60 RBI and 51 runs scored in 377 plate appearances in his first full major-league season. For the power alone, Diaz will be an intriguing fantasy option at a weak position as he sees even more playing time next year for the Astros.
Houston Astros infielders Yainer Diaz and Mauricio Dubon are making their first starts of the American League Division Series in Game 3 on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins and right-hander Sonny Gray. Diaz is the designated hitter and is batting sixth, while Dubon will start in center field and hit in the seven-hole. Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick will retreat to the bench. Diaz, 25, hit a strong .282/.308/.538 with an .846 OPS, 23 home runs, 60 RBI and 51 runs scored in 355 at-bats in his first full major-league season this year, but he's been limited to one pinch-hitting appearance in his first two postseason games to this point. Dubon also had an impressive regular season (.278 average) with 10 homers and seven steals in 467 at-bats.
Batting Order
1 | Jose Altuve |
2 | Yordan Alvarez |
3 | Kyle Tucker |
4 | Alex Bregman |
5 | José Abreu |
6 | Chas McCormick |
7 | Yainer Diaz |
8 | Jeremy Peña |
9 | Jake Meyers |
Yainer Diaz Stats
Last 10 Games
Batting Order
1 | Jose Altuve |
2 | Yordan Alvarez |
3 | Kyle Tucker |
4 | Alex Bregman |
5 | José Abreu |
6 | Chas McCormick |
7 | Yainer Diaz |
8 | Jeremy Peña |
9 | Jake Meyers |
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz appears to be ready to take off after a strong rookie campaign in 2023. Diaz was limited in playing time last year but was still able to bash 23 homers while recording decent counting stats and a solid .282 average in just 355 at-bats. His underlying metrics back the strong numbers up, as Diaz led all catchers in xwOBA with a .360 mark. Although the 25-year-old isn't an on-base machine and strikes out a decent amount, evidenced by his 2.9 BB% and 19.7 K%, he makes up for it by hitting the ball hard (43.9 Hard-Hit%). He has all the makings of a true breakout hitter, but he needs the playing time to harness his full potential. Fortunately, Diaz was named the starting catcher back in November. With only Victor Caratini signed to back him up, this is a prime opportunity for Diaz. He will likely hit in the middle of a solid Astros lineup, meaning his counting stats should see a sharp increase. On top of this, it wouldn't be a surprise if Diaz led catchers in homers this year. At his current ADP of 109, Diaz carries some risk, but also tremendous upside. This ADP is well worth his potential, which is a top-tier fantasy backstop.