Stassi Projected to Start Season in CC

The Astros have acquired power-hitting first baseman Chris Carter, right-handed starting pitcher Brad Peacock and catcher Max Stassi from Oakland in exchange for shortstop Jed Lowrie and right-handed reliever Fernando Rodriguez.

Carter was tabbed Texas League Player of the Year in 2009 after hitting .337 with 24 home runs, 101 RBIs and a 1.011 OPS for Midland.  Stassi is ticketed to be on Corpus Christi's roster when camp breaks in Kissimmee. Below is a look at his four-year career as a pro. 

Max Stassi

Catcher
Height:  5-10    
Weight:  206
Born:  3/15/91 in Woodland, CA
Bats/Throws:  R/R
Resides:  Yuba City, CA

Acquired:  Via trade, along with 1B Chris Carter and RHP Brad Peacock, from Oakland in February 2013 for INF Jed Lowrie and RHP Fernando Rodriguez.  Originally selected by Oakland in the fourth round of the 2009 draft. 

Career Highlights:  2012 - Was rated by Baseball America as the Athletics' best defensive catcher prior to the trade. Widely considered as the top catching prospect in the Houston system, he'll report to Big League camp this spring as a non-roster invitee.  Posted a .799 OPS in 84 games at Stockton en route to being named an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star.  Was charged with just seven passed balls and committed five errors in 485 total chances for a .991 fielding percentage.  Tabbed California League Batter of the Week for July 16-23 when he hit .296 with six runs scored, one double, four home runs and five RBIs.  Also led the league in sacrifice flies (11).  Saw limited action in April and August, battling ankle and oblique injuries.  Over 23 games in May, batted .287 with 14 runs scored, six doubles, three home runs and 13 RBIs.  In July, smacked seven home runs and plated 17, notching an OPS of .832.  Produced a season-high four RBIs on July 26 at Visalia, thanks in part to a two-out, three-run blast in the fifth inning.  Hit .294 and featured a .903 OPS at the Ports' Banner Island Ballpark, compared to .260 and .712 marks on the road.  With Phoenix of the Arizona Fall League, batted .271 with four runs, three doubles, a home run and 11 RBIs in 13 games. 

2011 - Was limited to DH duties as he rehabbed a right-shoulder strain.  Clubbed a grand slam on April 21 at Lancaster en route to a career-high five-RBI night.  Was placed on the disabled list in mid-May and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. 

2010 - A Mid-Season Midwest League All-Star, paced Kane County in strikeouts and tied for the team lead in home runs.  Threw out 42 of 125 base runners for a .336 caught-stealing percentage, which ranked fourth in the circuit.  Prior to the all-star break, batted .247 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs.  Went 2-for-6 with a run and a walk in two playoff games for the Cougars. 

Career stat notes: Features a .987 fielding percentage and has been charged with 19 passed balls in 1,486 total chances.  Has thrown out 29% of base runners attempting to steal. 

Prep notes: Hit .538 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs during senior season at Yuba City (CA) High School.  Was named the Tri-County Conference Co-Player of the Year.