Yohel Pozo is a Venezuelan catcher who reached the big leagues in August 2021 with a reputation for strong defense and an ability to manage a pitching staff. Born in Maracaibo on June 14, 1997, he has worked his way through several organizations, carving out a role as a backup and rotational catcher while gaining steady MLB experience.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Yohel Pozo
- Position: Catcher
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Number: 79
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 201 lb
- Born: June 14, 1997 (age 29)
- Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela
- MLB Debut: August 13, 2021
Background
Pozo grew up in Maracaibo, one of Venezuela’s most storied baseball cities. He developed through the academy and minor-league system, where his pitch-framing, game-calling and receiver instincts stood out — the kind of tools that get a catcher noticed long before the bat makes headlines. His MLB debut on August 13, 2021 was the payoff for years of work in the minors and a milestone for his family and community back home.
Professional Career
Throughout his big-league career, Pozo has filled backup and rotational catching roles. In 2026 he split the season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Baltimore Orioles, combining for a .238 AVG, 1 home run and 7 RBI on the year.
His time with Baltimore stood out offensively: in an Orioles uniform he hit .222 with an OPS of .756, a noticeable jump from the .515 OPS he posted in St. Louis. That split tells the story of a catcher finding a better fit — and showing he can contribute at the plate when the conditions are right.
As a right-handed hitter and thrower, Pozo fits the mold of the modern backup catcher: defense and pitcher management come first, with measured offensive contributions when the opportunity arises.
2026 Stats
- Overall (2026): .238 AVG | 1 HR | 7 RBI | 1 R | .566 OPS | 0 SB
- Baltimore Orioles: .222 AVG | 1 HR | 2 RBI | 1 R | .756 OPS | 0 SB
- St. Louis Cardinals: .242 AVG | 0 HR | 5 RBI | 0 R | .515 OPS | 0 SB
Awards and Records
Pozo has not earned individual awards such as an MVP, Gold Glove or All-Star selection. His career has been built on being a reliable professional behind the plate — a role that rarely shows up in award columns but matters every single game.
Fun Fact
Pozo is part of a long line of Venezuelan catchers who have reached the majors on the strength of their defense and game management. Maracaibo has produced no shortage of backstops with that exact profile, and Pozo carries that tradition with him every time he straps on the gear.
