Report: Christian Vazquez Traded to Astros; Red Sox Land 2 Prospects

Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston reported that the Boston Red Sox are trading Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros.

The Red Sox will get two minor leaguers.

When news of the trade broke, he was taking batting practice at Minute Maid Park.

Chris Cotillo @ChrisCotillo

Christian Vázquez takes BP in a Red Sox uniform for what seems to be the final time. pic.twitter.com/rr5Heo9PBF

Brian McTaggart @brianmctaggart

Vazquez when asked if he was traded to Astros, “I think so, yeah.”

How does it feel: “It’s a business.”

Red Sox PR pulled him away. pic.twitter.com/fQ06LVzwW0

The 31-year-old could make his Astros debut quickly because he doesn't have to travel far.

The Red Sox are last in the American League East with a 51-50 record. If he stayed in Boston through Tuesday's 6 p.m. he would've been shocked by the trade. The deadline is ate time.

The backstop has put together a good campaign. In 84 games, he's batting.283 with a.432 slugging percentage and eight homers.

The defensive value of the man is limited. He is tied for 40th in catcher framing runs and 15th in pop time to second base.

The Astros were able to address the position of catcher at the deadline.

This year has been more of the same for Martin Maldonado, who has an OPS+ of 72 in 12 seasons, according to BaseballReference. He is on pace to finish below the Mendoza Line after batting.172.

The designated catcher will give more punch to the lineup.

This is the second notable move by the Astros ahead of the deadline, as they also acquired the Oriole's catcher.