Astros Reportedly Sign Ex-Angels Catcher Dustin Garneau
By Karl Rasmussen
The Houston Astros are starting to make some offseason moves, looking to replenish areas on the roster which they'll need to buff up ahead of the 2020 campaign.
And one area of need is certainly behind the plate, as Robinson Chirinos is expected to find a new home in free agency.
Though this likely isn't their final say on the matter, in order to help mitigate the potential loss of Chirinos, the Astros have signed Dustin Garneau to a one-year deal.
Source confirms that the Astros are in agreement with free-agent catcher Dustin Garneau on a one-year deal. @jakemkaplan was first.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 26, 2019
The 32-year-old backstop has been a journeyman throughout his MLB career, having played for the likes of the Rockies, White Sox, Angels and Athletics since debuting in 2015.
In 2019, he spent time with both the Angels and the A's, appearing in 35 total games, all of which involved the AL West. He slashed .244/.350/.407 with three homers and 14 RBI across 101 plate appearances.
The Astros have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent catcher Dustin Garneau, pending a physical, a source tells The Athletic.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) November 26, 2019
Garneau will join the organization on a one-year deal, and will likely be utilized as a depth piece behind the plate.
As things currently stand, 26-year-old Garrett Stubbs is expected to be Houston's Opening Day catcher, so he'll likely be battling with Garneau upon his arrival to the organization.