The Houston Astros have signed veteran utility player Aledmys Diaz to a minor league contract, according to a team announcement. Diaz will first report to the team’s complex in Florida. This move marks a return to the Astros for Diaz, who was a key bench player for the team from the 2018-19 offseason until he became a free agent following the 2022 season. During his initial stint with the Astros, Diaz posted a .255/.313/.425 slash line and played multiple positions, contributing to their 2022 World Series win.
Diaz then signed a two-year deal with the Oakland A’s, but his performance there did not meet expectations. In 2023, he hit just .229/.280/.337 with a wRC+ of 72 in 109 games. His power numbers dropped significantly, managing only three home runs compared to the 12 he hit in 2022 with the Astros. Injuries further hampered Diaz in 2024, limiting him to just 12 games and a .103/.133/.103 slash line before being released by the A’s.
For the Astros, Diaz’s return provides additional depth, although players like Mauricio Dubon, Jacob Amaya, and David Hensley are currently ahead of him. This opportunity allows Diaz to attempt to regain his form in a familiar setting and re-establish himself as a valuable depth option for the upcoming free agency period.
