Yankees linked to Astros' World Series champion catcher as J.C. Escarra replacement

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Yankees linked to Astros' World Series champion catcher as J.C. Escarra replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Even though the bullpen should be the main area of focus for the New York Yankees at the trade deadline, there are other concerns with the roster.

New York lacks a right-handed hitting catcher, and both Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra are having poor seasons at the plate.

Wells, the starting backstop, has a .562 OPS and just four home runs in 42 games. He provides above-average defense, but would he be better suited as a backup for the Yankees?

The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reports that Major League evaluators informed him the Yankees will be targeting a right-handed hitting catcher ahead of the August deadline.

Kuty mentioned one veteran from the Houston Astros who could be a possibility.

"Righty-hitting catchers figure to be in short supply at the deadline. Would the Houston Astros be willing to part with Christian Vásquez, who had a .734 OPS in 34 games?" Kuty wrote.

The 35-year-old Vazquez is in his 12th season in the Majors and his second stint with the Astros after winning a World Series with the AL West club in 2022.

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Vazquez works well with a pitching staff and has decent power, but there are concerns about his hitting metrics.

"At 35 years old, he likely would be able to handle the transition to a new staff. But many of Vásquez’s advanced metrics, including expected weighted on-base percentage (.263) and average exit velocity (87 mph), point to possible regression," Kuty added.

Vazquez is just one possibility for the Yankees. Other names could be made available, but the Yankees will do their due diligence before advancing in trade discussions.

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