PT TOMORROW: AL West—Help wanted behind the plate

Houston Astros

Jason Castro (C, HOU) again enters the season as the #1 catcher at least partly as a result of the now-departed Hank Conger’s complete inability to shut down opposing base-runners (one CS in 43 SB attempts). Offensively, Castro batted a four-year low .211, as his ct% slid to a career-worst 66%. He continues to post good power metrics (11 HR, 124/121 PX/xPX over 337 AB) and decent patience (9% bb%), which suggest a turnaround is at least possible at age 29. But poor contact and DL time continue to cap his ceiling and keep Castro’s starting job tenuous.

Replacing Conger as Castro’s backup is rookie Max Stassi (C, HOU), who has a similar offensive profile. Once a highly-touted prospect with power and some BA potential,...

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