The Chicago White Sox are adding another former Houston Astros catcher.
The White Sox are reportedly in agreement to sign one-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2022 World Series champion catcher Martin Maldonado. The deal is said to be for one year guaranteed plus a team option for the following year.
Maldonado has been the Astros’ primary catcher over the last three seasons. The Puerto Rican batted .191 with 15 home runs for Houston in 2023.
Maldonado is not known for his prowess at the plate. But the 13-year veteran adds big-game experience to the White Sox roster, having started in five World Series games for the Astros in 2022. Maldonado has played in 65 total postseason games throughout his career.
The 37-year-old catcher is also a solid defender. He tied for 14th in the majors last season with 11 baserunners caught stealing over 70 attempts.
Maldonado joins Max Stassi as the second veteran catcher the White Sox acquired to fill the void behind the plate left by free agent Yasmani Grandal.
The White Sox, who are coming off of a disappointing 2023 campaign, have made a couple of significant changes heading into next season.
More must-reads: