The Houston Astros, for years, chose to rely on Martin Maldonado as their #1 catcher. And it brought stability.
In 2018 and from 2019 to 2023 he played for the club. Towards the end, he was the right-hand man for AJ Hinch as well as Dusty Baker. Both managers liked it.
For what? Because despite his nonexistent bat, he was a force behind the plate. He controlled his pitching staff like no other.
And the Astros pitchers loved it.
We suspected that the one who has a ring in 2022 would however leave this winter since the Astros want to make room for young Yainer Diaz behind the plate. He's a more offensive guy.
A free agent, Maldonado therefore left, as planned. And it is finally with the Chicago White Sox that the catcher will leave his bags in 2024.
The catcher will earn four million dollars in 2024. Then, the Sox have a four million dollar option for the 2025 campaign.
It's not a bad contract, on the contrary.
Obviously, by signing in Chicago, he knows that he will not aim for the playoffs. We can assume that he did not have a real offer from a playoff club…
But if he plays well, he could be traded this summer, too…
However, he will be able to improve the Illinois team's pitching staff, which will greatly need help and leadership for the rest of things.
One wonders if he asked for references from his friend Jose Abreu, who is now in Houston, but spent many years with the Sox.
