Yainer Diaz validated the Astros’ confidence in him as their primary catcher during his first season in the role. He caught in 102 games and was a key offensive contributor, ranking second on the team in RBIs with 84 and finishing with a .299 batting average. Manager Joe Espada highlighted Diaz as one of the most improved players, noting his ability to lead the pitching staff and produce offensively. While he showed significant progress, particularly with runners in scoring position, Diaz still needs to improve his pitch framing, an area where he struggled this season. His strong offensive performance and versatility raise questions about how the Astros will deploy him and backup Victor Caratini moving forward.