Height
5'8"
Weight
205 lbs
Age
35
College
N/A
Draft
2008, Rd 9, #292
Experience
11 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsF
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 994 | 0.24984597 | 71 | 351 | 0.66611445 | 33 | 811 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.0M
Guaranteed
$600K
AAV
$1.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Christian Vazquez's one-year, $1M deal with the Astros earns a solid B CVI, representing smart value shopping for a veteran backstop who can still contribute meaningfully. While Vazquez has clearly transitioned from his peak years as a franchise-caliber defender in Boston to more of a depth piece role, this contract price point makes perfect sense for Houston's competitive window. The Astros are getting a catcher who understands situational hitting, brings playoff experience, and can handle a pitching staff without being a liability behind the plate — all critical qualities that don't always show up in traditional metrics. At just $1M, Houston is essentially paying replacement-level money for an above-average backup who could seamlessly step into a larger role if needed. Given the notorious difficulty of finding reliable catching depth and Vazquez's track record of performing in high-leverage October moments, this represents the type of low-risk, high-upside move that contending teams should be making. The short-term nature also gives the Astros flexibility to evaluate their farm system options while maintaining veteran stability at baseball's most demanding defensive position.
Performance Analysis
Christian Vazquez grades as an above average performer among MLB catchers, earning a B Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.250 batting average and a 0.666 OPS (below the league average of .720) this season. With 71 home runs and 349 RBI through 993 games (a 12-HR, 57-RBI pace over a full season), he brings limited power to the lineup. His 33 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a experienced veteran at 35, Christian is a key contributor for the Astros. A 993-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Transaction History
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