Yohel Pozo is a Venezuelan catcher from Maracaibo who reached the major leagues on August 13, 2021. A defender-first backstop with experience across multiple MLB organizations, Pozo is part of the steady stream of catching talent Venezuela has sent to the big leagues for decades.
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 — Maracaibo, Venezuela 🇻🇪
- MLB Debut: August 13, 2021
Background
Born in Maracaibo on June 14, 1997, Pozo signed with an MLB organization and worked his way up through the minors, developing the defensive skills and pitcher-handling ability that define a big-league catcher. His debut on August 13, 2021 marked his arrival at the highest level of the game, and he has been competing for a permanent roster spot ever since.
Professional Career
Pozo’s 2026 season was split between two organizations. Overall, he hit .231 with 6 RBI and a .481 OPS across all stints. With the Baltimore Orioles, playing time was limited and his bat reflected it — a .167 average and a .310 OPS. A move to the St. Louis Cardinals gave him more consistent opportunities, and he responded with a .242 average, 5 RBI, and a .515 OPS, showing he can hold his own when given regular at-bats.
Throughout his career, Pozo has logged time in both the minors and majors, building the defensive résumé that keeps him in the conversation as a reliable backup option at the big-league level.
2026 Stats at a Glance
- Overall: .231 AVG | 0 HR | 6 RBI | .481 OPS
- Baltimore Orioles: .167 AVG | 0 HR | 1 RBI | .310 OPS
- St. Louis Cardinals: .242 AVG | 0 HR | 5 RBI | .515 OPS
Awards and Milestones
Pozo has not yet earned individual awards such as an MVP, Silver Slugger, or a World Series ring. His focus remains on sharpening both sides of his game to earn a permanent spot on an MLB roster.
Worth Knowing
Venezuela has produced some of the finest catchers in baseball history, and Pozo is part of that tradition. His journey — from Maracaibo through the minors to the big leagues — mirrors the path of countless Venezuelan prospects chasing a permanent home in the majors.
