For the Houston Astros to take the next step in contending for a title, the answer may ultimately wind up coming from behind the dish.
According to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on Wednesday, the Astros are surveying the market for an upgrade at the catcher position and have been monitoring Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers and Derek Norris of the San Diego Padres specifically.
Jason Castro (more of a defensive specialist) and Evan Gattis (more of a power-hitting specialist) have rotated platoon duties at catcher for the Astros this season. Norris, who has improved his previously substandard defense behind the plate but is batting a career-worst .199 in 2016, probably wouldn’t make much of a difference for them, even if the Padres appear intent on moving him. The all-around play of Lucroy, the two-time All-Star, definitely would, but he will come neither cheap nor uncontested.
Rosenthal also notes that the Astros may just opt to keep the status quo for now and wait until next season to pursue another catcher. But it’s at least a positional need to keep tabs on with the Astros currently a mere one game out in the race for the second Wild Card spot in the AL.
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