By: [Nombre del Autor – no proporcionado en el texto]
Date: August 4, 2025
HOUSTON – In a calculated move designed to sharpen their roster for the impending playoffs, the Houston Astros have released veteran catcher Omar Narvaez, marking their first significant alteration following the Major League Baseball trade deadline. The decision, confirmed by KPRC2’s Ari Alexander on August 3rd, reflects the team’s commitment to optimizing depth and clarity within their roster.
Narvaez, an experienced catcher who previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers (where he was part of the 2021 All-Star team, hitting .266 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs), was initially signed to a minor league agreement in June 2025. Following his assignment to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Narvaez posted a .735 OPS across 27 games. Prior to joining the Astros, he had amassed 24 at-bats with the White Sox, resulting in two home runs, three RBIs, and one run scored, with a batting average of .286, an on-base percentage of .400, and an OPS of .286. However, his performance within the Astros organization was limited to Triple-A, where he hit .244 with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and a .710 OPS, failing to earn a major league appearance.
The Astros’ decision to release Narvaez comes as they strategically trim roster depth, recognizing the need for focused roles. Yainer Diaz, currently the team’s primary catcher, has proven to be a solid choice, boasting a .252/.284/.420 batting line with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs, alongside an OPS of .704. Victor Caratini provides backup and left-handed relief, and the team is focused on optimizing the position.
Beyond the release, the Astros executed a robust acquisition strategy at the trade deadline. They brought back Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Matt Mikulski, bolstering their infield following Isaac Paredes’ injury. Furthermore, they added Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins to address a need for left-handed power, and Ramon Urias from the San Diego Padres to enhance infield depth and flexibility.
The Astros’ actions demonstrate a clear objective: to create a sharply defined roster prepared for the playoffs, acknowledging that strategic personnel adjustments – like the release of a former All-Star – are crucial for success. The team’s performance during the trade deadline – securing Correa, Sanchez, and Urias – significantly strengthens their lineup and provides necessary versatility, mitigating the impact of a roster departure like Narvaez’s.