Yohel Pozo is a Venezuelan catcher born in Maracaibo on June 14, 1997, who made his Major League debut on August 13, 2021. His career has been defined by his work behind the plate — pitch-calling, game management, and defense — as he continues to carve out a reliable role at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Yohel Pozo
- Position: Catcher
- Team: Baltimore Orioles
- Number: 79
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 201 lbs
- Born: June 14, 1997 (29 years old)
- Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela
- MLB Debut: August 13, 2021
Background
Maracaibo has long been fertile ground for baseball talent, and Pozo is part of that tradition. He signed as an international free agent and worked his way through the minor leagues, refining his catching skills before earning his big-league shot. His MLB debut on August 13, 2021, was a milestone moment — the kind that inspires the next wave of young Venezuelan kids dreaming of playing at the highest level.
Professional Career
Since reaching the majors, Pozo has bounced between organizations in search of a steady roster spot. In 2026, he split time between the Baltimore Orioles and the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a combined batting average of .238 with 1 home run and 7 RBI on the season.
With Baltimore, he hit .222 with an OPS of .756. In St. Louis, he batted .242 but posted a lower OPS of .515. The numbers paint the picture of a catcher whose value lives primarily in what he does before the pitch is thrown — reading hitters, managing a pitching staff, and handling the defense side of the game.
2026 Stats at a Glance
- Overall: .238 AVG | 1 HR | 7 RBI | 1 R | .566 OPS | 0 SB
- Baltimore Orioles: .222 AVG | 1 HR | 2 RBI | 1 R | .756 OPS
- St. Louis Cardinals: .242 AVG | 0 HR | 5 RBI | 0 R | .515 OPS
Awards and Records
Pozo has not yet collected individual hardware — no Silver Slugger, no All-Star nod, no World Series ring. His focus right now is simpler and harder: stay on a roster, contribute every day, and prove he belongs at the big-league level.
Worth Knowing
Pozo is part of a growing wave of Venezuelan catchers pushing their way into the majors in recent years. His journey — bouncing between clubs, competing for a backup role, proving his worth game by game — reflects just how unforgiving the catching position is. In a spot where defense and pitch-framing can matter more than your slash line, Pozo keeps showing up and doing the work.
