Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports
The longer the wait, the more Houston Astros nation worries. Jason Castro, the team MVP of 2013 and one of the few shining points of a team that broke the franchise record for futility for the third straight year, has yet to receive the contract extension many anticipated. Following a major house clearing by the entire Astros organization, Jose Altuve was the first Astros player to receive a contract, therefore garnishing the confidence of the team for years to come.
Jason Castro should, and hopefully will, be the next big signing. Free agents can wait.
The Houston backstop was viewed by many to be the left-handed version of San Francisco Giants All-Star catcher Buster Posey. While he has yet to live up to those expectations given his significant injuries, 2013 was a breakout year for Castro and a huge year to build upon.
Castro put together a .276 average with 18 home runs and 56 RBI on his way to his first ever All-Star game as the sole representative of the Houston Astros.
It’s way overdue for Castro to get an extension. At 26 years old and at such a premium position, Castro deserves a deal that mimics that of Altuve’s. He is clearly a piece of the Astros’ future and one of the key building blocks to construct the team around. Castro ranked in the upper half of MLB in the majority of offensive stats. And again, this comes at such a premium from the catcher position.
Granted, Castro’s injury concerns may force a position change, but whatever the case, this is a guy the Astros have to have going forward.
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