Houston Astros: Who will be the second catcher on the roster?

Brian McCann will start behind the plate a majority of the games in Houston. But the Astros still need a backup guy on the roster in case something goes south.

Evan Gattis and Brian McCann carried the Houston Astros behind the plate last year. The team’s catchers ranked second in the league in RBIs and sixth in OPS.

Both players are known for their power strokes and their veteran experience. Together, the two combined for 30 home runs and 117 RBIs in 2017.

But Houston still needs another catcher on the 25-man roster for the upcoming year, as Gattis will primarily be in the designated hitter spot. Considering that the Astros probably won’t sign any free agent catchers on the market, they will have to look in house.

McCann is the most consistent hitting catcher in the game right now. He slapped at least 18 homers in his previous 12 seasons. He ranks first among active catchers in home runs and ninth all-time. He’s still just 33, thus he can piece together more productive seasons to move up the list.

Gattis isn’t much younger, but he’s had less experience in the MLB overall. Still, he’s been a major power contributor, smacking at least 20 home runs in four of his five seasons. He boasted a career-low slugging percentage last season, but he still raked in 55 RBIs for the World Series champions.

But he is now most valuable solely as a hitter.

Juan Centeno and Max Stassi filled in at backstop in 33 games. Now Centeno is across the state in Arlington, which leaves Stassi in the driver’s seat for the open spot.

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General manager Jeff Luhnow gave Stassi the nod when asked about who has the best chance. Yet, another only catcher not named Gattis or McCann can claim the spot during Spring Training.

Tim Federowicz has an opportunity, even though he’s not currently on the team’s roster. He was productive in Triple-A last year for San Francisco, owning a .300 average with nine bombs and 43 RBIs.

The 30-year-old had chances to prove his worth in the MLB in the past, but was unimpressive. He sports a career average below the Mendoza line and whiffed in nearly a third of his plate appearances.

Stassi officially cannot remain in Triple-A without passing through waivers. The 26-year-old made a substantial leap in Fresno last year. After posting a .230/.294/.374 triple-slash line in 2016, he improved his numbers to .266/.383/.473 this past season.

Though he may not possess the game-changing power that McCann and Gattis have, he could be an effectual third-string guy. He is a much cheaper option than anyone on the market.

Guys like Jonathan Lucroy, Alex Avila and Miguel Montero would be great backups, but they would be too costly. All three could potentially be starters on other clubs, yet they likely desire at least $4 to $5 million or more per year.

The Astros allocated more money to acquire a starting pitcher. Their interest in a catcher dwindles as the offseason wears on.

Houston still possesses two remarkable options behind the plate. Unless either of the two get injured for a significant portion of the season, the front office shouldn’t have to shop for another backstop.

Next: Will Houston need to acquire another outfielder?

Whoever wins the job – Stassi, Federowicz or maybe Garrett Stubbs – will be fine in a supporting role. Yet, if both Gattis and McCann both face time off, the Astros would have to potentially make a move.