Could a rising star from the Houston Astros potentially become the next Jose Altuve?

This up-and-coming talent from the Houston Astros could potentially fill the shoes of Jose Altuve as the prominent figure of the team in the future. Altuve, who recently secured a five-year extension, currently holds that role with the Astros.

However, Altuve’s journey to stardom wasn’t immediate. Initially overlooked by the Astros during a tryout in his native Venezuela, Altuve eventually signed with the team for $10,000 after a second chance.

While Altuve’s legacy may one day earn him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame, the question remains: who will step up as the cornerstone player and face of the franchise once Altuve retires?

In light of the significant contract extension between the Kansas City Royals and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., MLB.com sought to address this question. They established certain criteria, requiring the chosen player to be 25 years old or younger and to have already debuted in MLB, unless they’ve signed a long-term deal like Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio.

This criteria excluded All-Star Yordan Alvarez, who recently turned 26.

MLB.com designated catcher Yainer Diaz as the Astros’ potential “budding franchise cornerstone.” Diaz has been appointed as the team’s starting catcher for the upcoming season, succeeding veteran Martin Maldonado, who became a free agent and joined the Chicago White Sox.

Despite Maldonado’s impressive rookie season, his performance in subsequent years saw a decline, leading to frustration among Astros fans. Diaz, however, offers hope for improved offense while continuing to develop his skills as a game-caller.

While Diaz may not replicate Altuve’s success, he appears to be a promising star for the Astros’ future.