Early Career and Signing
Jose Herrera was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in July 2013 as an amateur free agent from Venezuela. Regarded as one of the top international prospects that year, he quickly gained attention as a promising catcher. After starting the 2024 season in the minors, Herrera made a significant impact during the second half of the MLB season.
Minor League Performance
Initially left off the 2024 Opening Day roster, Herrera was assigned to Triple-A Reno after losing the backup job to Tucker Barnhart. Over the first two months, he had a mediocre season at the plate, but he played a vital role in mentoring rookie Adrian Del Castillo. In 36 games with Reno, Herrera posted a .260 batting average and a .714 OPS, with 33 hits, including two home runs, alongside a solid walk-to-strikeout ratio of 19 walks to 23 strikeouts.
Return to the Big Leagues
The opportunity for Herrera to return to the MLB came on June 21 when starting catcher Gabriel Moreno suffered a thumb injury. Herrera was called up and never returned to the minors. During the first ten days of his return, he split catching duties with Barnhart, demonstrating improved hitting in crucial situations. From June 22 to July 31, he hit .267 with an OPS of .686, showcasing his ability to drive in runs and manage counts effectively.
Struggles and Slumps
However, as the season progressed, Herrera faced challenges. Following Moreno’s return to the injured list with an adductor strain, Herrera became the primary catcher. Unfortunately, his performance dipped, hitting just .200 over the next 22 games with 11 hits and 16 strikeouts. His OPS fell to a disappointing .492, raising concerns about his ability to maintain consistent offensive production.
Memorable Moments
Despite the struggles, Herrera had a standout moment in the final stretch of the season. In his last four games, he managed to hit three times, including his first career MLB home run—a memorable shot to the right field bleachers in Milwaukee. This milestone marked a significant personal achievement for the young catcher.
Overall Season Performance
Throughout the 2024 season, Herrera played in 42 games, posting a .227 average, one home run, 13 RBIs, four doubles, a triple, and nine walks. His strikeout rate improved to 23.7%, and his wRC+ was 70, indicating room for growth in his offensive capabilities. Notably, while his numbers were still below league average, they represented progress compared to previous seasons.
Defensive Contributions
Beyond his batting, catchers are crucial for their defensive skills, including game-calling and managing pitchers. Herrera excelled with certain pitchers like Zac Gallen, achieving a catcher ERA of 4.76—third best on the team. However, he struggled with other pitchers, raising questions about the interplay between catchers and pitching performance. His blocking metrics were slightly below average, yet he received positive ratings for framing pitches.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
One of Herrera’s strongest attributes is his presence in the clubhouse. He is highly regarded by teammates and plays a vital role in mentoring younger players. His leadership and supportive nature make him a valued asset to the team, contributing positively to team chemistry.
Future Prospects
Herrera has over a year of service time, positioning him for potential arbitration eligibility after the 2026 season. He is under club control for at least the next five years, providing the Diamondbacks with flexibility in managing their roster. As he enters his age-28 season, there’s still ample opportunity for Herrera to develop into a quality backup catcher.
Jose Herrera’s journey in the 2024 season showcases both challenges and moments of brilliance. With continued dedication and development, he has the potential to become a reliable backup catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seasons to come. As spring training approaches, fans can expect to see Herrera back at Salt River Fields, ready to compete for a spot o
