What is Cesar Salazar's nationality? New Houston Astros catcher's place of birth and early life explored

Cesar Salazar, the Houston Astros' newest catcher, is from Mexico. He was born there in 1996 and he and his parents immigrated to the United States when he was 16 years old.

He played pretty well during Spring Training. Catcher is a weaker position for the Astros (they're dead last in Fangraphs fWAR projections for catching depth) so he earned a spot on the team.

Salazar played in college for the Arizona Wildcats, which is the state he migrated to when he was a teenager. He's spent time in the minors and has finally seen his number called to join the big leagues this year.

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Cesar Salazar is the Astros' new backup catcher

Cesar Salazar spent four seasons in the Astros' minor-league system. During that time, he hit .253 with a .327 on-base percentage. He also knocked in 33 home runs in 922 minor-league at-bats.

Could Cesar Salazar be the future?

Martin Maldonado currently sits atop the Astros' depth chart for catcher, but he's not much of an offensive threat. He's excellent defensively, which is why he's been their starter for a while.

However, Maldonado is 36 years old. He's on his way out and the Astros must find a backup plan. Could that be Salazar?

Yainer Diaz is the Astros' second-ranked prospect behind Hunter Brown, and he plays catcher and first base. If Salazar pans out, they could use Diaz as the first baseman.

Jose Abreu was just signed to play first, but he's an aging veteran, too. Could a youth movement be coming in Houston?