The Atlanta Braves have just made a noteworthy acquisition by signing a catcher that Houston Astros fans are quite familiar with—one they arguably should have pursued themselves. In a recent report from MLB.com journalist Mark Bowman, it's revealed that former Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim is joining the Braves for spring training, where he will be vying for a position on the Opening Day roster alongside Drake Baldwin, especially with Sean Murphy expected to start the season on the injured list.
This signing is categorized as a minor-league deal, which includes an invitation to spring training but does not guarantee Heim a spot on the team's roster. Although there may be a financial incentive if he secures a place on the major league squad, it remains a signing that the Astros could have matched or potentially outdone.
With the Braves securing Heim, it's a missed opportunity for the Astros. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Astros General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the importance of retaining veteran catcher Victor Caratini. However, it seems this priority did not translate into action, as Caratini was signed by the Minnesota Twins just last month.
As spring training approaches, the Astros find themselves with only two catchers on their 40-man roster: Yainer Diaz and César Salazar. Diaz possesses All-Star potential, yet Salazar has limited experience, having played only 36 Major League games and is more notable for his past mishap with former starter Framber Valdez than his on-field contributions.
Additionally, the Astros are bringing six other catchers to training camp in West Palm Beach. The only one among them with any Major League experience is Carlos Perez, who hasn't played at that level since 2023 and holds a career OPS of just .592. Other invitees include Will Bush, John Garcia, Garrett Guillemette, Collin Price, and top prospect Walker Janek.
The Astros still have time to make strategic moves to fill one of the most significant gaps in their roster. Notable free agents such as Mitch Garver, Elias Diaz, and Christian Vazquez remain available on the market.
However, passing on Heim appears to be a misstep. Despite his struggles last season in Texas, during the period from 2022 to 2024, he achieved an OPS close to .700 while showcasing Gold Glove-level defense behind the plate. The Astros could certainly benefit from having Heim as a backup catcher in the 2026 season.
