HUGE BOOST: Astros Sign top rated crucial star to League Deal

The Astros have announced the signing of veteran utility player Aledmys Diaz to a minor league contract. Diaz will initially report to the team’s complex in Florida rather than joining a minor league team right away.

This signing marks a return for Diaz, who was an important bench player for the Astros from when they acquired him from the Blue Jays in the 2018-19 offseason until he left for free agency after the 2022 season. During his four years with Houston, Diaz posted a respectable .255/.313/.425 (102 wRC+), playing all four infield positions and both corner outfield spots. After winning the World Series with the Astros in 2022, Diaz entered free agency and secured a two-year contract with the A’s, a rarity for the rebuilding team.

However, his time with the A’s did not go as planned. In 2023, Diaz struggled as a semi-regular player, hitting just .229/.280/.337 with a wRC+ of 72 in 109 games, the most he had played in a season since his Blue Jays days. His power diminished significantly, managing only three home runs compared to the 12 he hit in 327 plate appearances with Houston in 2022.

Diaz’s performance continued to decline in 2024. After missing the first two months due to groin and calf injuries, he returned to play only 12 games for Oakland, recording just three singles and one walk in 30 plate appearances, resulting in a .103/.133/.103 slash line and a wRC+ of -31. This led to his release by the A’s last week, ending his time with the team early.

For the Astros, bringing back Diaz offers a potential depth option for their bench in case of multiple injuries. Mauricio Dubon has effectively taken over Diaz’s former role, with a .279/.308/.404 slash line and a 97 wRC+ in 744 plate appearances over the past two seasons. While Dubon and other 40-man roster infielders like Jacob Amaya and David Hensley are likely ahead of Diaz in the pecking order, this deal gives Diaz a chance to overcome his recent struggles in a familiar environment and possibly re-establish himself as a viable depth option for major league teams ahead of the next free agency period.