Houston Astros: Garrett Stubbs deserves some attention

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – MARCH 06: Garrett Stubb #77 of the Houston Astros in action during a spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on March 6, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 9-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Before the season, Garrett Stubbs and Max Stassi had low expectations. Stassi exceeded them for the Astros during three months of the season. Stubbs has done the same for Triple-A Fresno, earning some recognition.

The catcher for the Houston Astros, Max Stassi took many fans by surprise with his above-average numbers at the plate so far. And while the Houston backstop deserves much of the attention, he’s not the only catcher in the organization having a notable campaign.

Triple-A catcher Garrett Stubbs, a lower-tier prospect, also warrants some recognition.

The Fresno specimen isn’t an everyday backstop, but he shoulders much of the load for the Grizzlies. Despite his limited endurance, the 25-year-old earned an All-Star spot on the Pacific Coast League.

Stubbs, known for his contact ability, boasts a .348 average across 161 at-bats. Moreover, the catcher has a keen eye, garnering 17 walks compared to just 28 strikeouts.

Like Stassi, the minor-leaguer sported mediocre numbers in 2017. Hence, Astros supporters might have overlooked his ability. But he roared back to life in the first half of the season.

Though he doesn’t technically qualify for any awards, Stubbs still owns the best OPS among PCL catchers at .897. His on-base percentage ranks fourth on the team. However, that’s quite an accomplishment, considering that the Grizzlies possess the best offense in the PCL.

Stubbs’ expectations aren’t reasonable. Scouts labeled him as a reliable backup to a more consistent-hitting starter. So far, he seems on track to fulfill that role.

And Houston may have an opening by as early as next season. Surely, Astros manager A.J. Hinch acknowledges Stubbs as a future option.

What does Houston’s future catching situation look like?

While Brian McCann remains the primary catcher on the big-league club, Stassi received more playing time – understandable. By next year, Stassi could transfer into the main spot.

Nevertheless, McCann will be a free agent after next season. And while he’s still valuable, his durability is limited. The veteran may even retire before then, given that he might win another ring this year.

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Houston’s front office might seek help behind the plate. Guys like J.T. Realmuto are available on the trade block. Also, the Astros aren’t afraid to make more significant deals to improve the club in any manner.

Nonetheless, if Hinch calls upon Stubbs to take over Stassi’s role, he may be fit for it. Of course, that is if Stassi earns the promotion as the primary backstop.

Houston’s pool of catchers in the farm system isn’t deep, but it’s not shallow either. Stubbs and Chuckie Robinson are two top-30 prospects, though the latter is still in High-A ball.

The Astros selected five catchers in this year’s draft, and they signed two of them already. None of them will likely be ready for an MLB debut during the next three years.

Hence, if Stubbs and Stassi do not suffice, the front office can look to the free-agent market. Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos both become free agents this offseason.

Nevertheless, Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow may stick what the cards they have. If they cannot acquire a top-tier backstop like Realmuto, the club likely isn’t worried.

Next: Turn David Paulino into a relief pitcher immediately

As long as the Houston Astros receive production from Stassi, and possibly Stubbs, in the near future, they likely won’t worry. But both have to exhibit consistency over a more extended period, first.

At this point, both have done that.

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