Astros Sign Catcher Chris Snyder

Updated: Friday, 20 Jan 2012, 2:13 PM CST
Published : Friday, 20 Jan 2012, 12:15 PM CST

HOUSTON - The Houston Astros signed free agent catcher Chris Snyder to a one-year contract plus a mutual option for 2013.

Snyder, a former star at the University of Houston, is an eight-year veteran, who played from 2004-2010 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He was traded in 2010 by Arizona to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he spent the past year-and-a-half.

"I couldn't be happier," Snyder said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. 'It's been a long year, a long offseason, lot of grind, lot of stress, lot of uncertainty. That is all pushed aside today. It's a great opportunity."

Snyder, who hit .271 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 2011, missed most of last season after back surgery.

"Chris injured his back and he had back surgery in June," said Ryan Ware, Snyder's Houston-based agent, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

"He's 100 per cent healthy, ready to go, training every day."

In fact Snyder was training during the interview with his agent.

"Chris couldn't be more excited about coming back home," Ware said. "I think every young player dreams about possibly playing in their hometown.

"The situation was right, the Astros have a need. This is a good opportunity for Chris to rebuild after a missed 2011 season."

Snyder agrees with his agent.

"Absolutely it's extra special because it's in Houston," Snyder said. "I'm born and raised, grew up a huge Astros fan and to get a chance to help out that team in the state they're in right now with the rebuilding process, to help out on the field, off the field, clubhouse, dugout, whereever I can have a presence, to do that for my hometown team, I couldn't be happier with that situation."

Two years ago Snyder had 48 RBIs along with 15 home runs, which was fourth among National League catchers.

"Chris represents tremendous value for the club," Ware said. "He's a veteran catcher, a top-notch guy, who will bring great leadership to the clubhouse."

In eight years in the big leagues Snyder has hit .231 with 70 home runs and 273 RBIs.

Defensively, Snyders' .998 career fielding percent is the best all-time in Major League history among catchers with 600 or more games.

Ware is also a former player at the University of Houston, where he played second base from 1996-1997.

"As a kid, playing baseball, growing up, Little League, any kid is always going to want to be with their hometown team and now I can get that chance," Snyder said.

"My wife is beside herself right now. I'm kind of at a loss for words trying to grasp everything."

Snyder and his wife, Carla,  went to Spring Woods High School in Houston.