Yohel Pozo is a Venezuelan catcher from Maracaibo who reached the big leagues in August 2021. In 2026 he’s carrying a .238 batting average and a .566 OPS overall — modest offensive numbers, sure, but his value to the Baltimore Orioles runs deeper than the slash line.
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)
- Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela
- MLB Debut: August 13, 2021
Background
Pozo grew up in Maracaibo and worked his way through the minor league system, sharpening the defensive craft and pitch-calling instincts that catchers need to stick at the highest level. His MLB debut on August 13, 2021 put him in a long line of Venezuelan backstops who’ve carved out careers in the big leagues through defense and game management rather than offensive flash.
Professional Career
Since his debut, Pozo has bounced between organizations, which is pretty standard territory for backup catchers competing for roster spots. In 2026 he spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals before landing with the Baltimore Orioles. His numbers split noticeably between the two stops: a .242 average and .515 OPS in St. Louis, versus a .222 average but a much stronger .756 OPS in Baltimore, where he also drove in 2 runs.
At 29, Pozo is still fighting to lock down a consistent role. His pitch framing, game-calling experience, and ability to handle a pitching staff are the tools keeping him in the conversation — the offense is secondary to what he brings behind the plate.
2026 Stats
- 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 hasn’t picked up any individual hardware — no All-Star nods, no Gold Gloves — yet. His career has been about development and earning trust as a big-league catcher, not chasing awards.
Good to Know
Pozo is part of a deep pipeline of Venezuelan catchers who’ve made their mark in MLB over the past few decades. His path through multiple organizations in a short span says less about his ability and more about how brutally competitive the catcher position is — every front office is hunting for that rare mix of defense, pitch management, and enough offense to stay in the lineup.
