What are the Arizona Diamondbacks’ options at backup catcher?

José Herrera

Let’s start with the familiar, José Herrera, who signed with the D-backs in 2013 and is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster.

In 2023, he started 36 games for the D-backs but did not bring much in terms of offense, finishing the season with a .208/296/.257 slashline and an OPS+ of 54. (In fairness, that marked an improvement of his career 43 OPS+.) Perhaps more concerning, he has yet to homer at the MLB level.

Herrera was not effective during Moreno’s absence and was sent to Triple-A Reno after the acquisition of Seby Zavala. However, since Zavala was ineligible for the postseason, Herrera returned to Phoenix in October though he saw limited play.

It’s worth sharing some highlights:

On the plus side, the 26 year old has solid defensive numbers, he has one option remaining, and he’s a switch hitter. But he’s been with the organization for a long time and may have hit his ceiling.