Could the Angels sign Martin Maldonado to lure Gerrit Cole?

The Los Angeles Angels may be thinking a few moves ahead as they pursue Gerrit Cole in free agency this offseason.

After the Halos non-tendered catcher Kevan Smith on Monday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register said that ex-Angels catcher Martin Maldonado could be an attractive target. Maldonado spent part of the last two seasons with the Houston Astros and served as Cole’s personal catcher.

Maldonado, 33, is a free agent this winter and played with the Angels for two seasons from 2017 to 2018. He hit .213 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI last season.

The Angels are so interested in Cole, a Southern California native, they might be willing to break the bank for him. Signing his personal catcher would definitely make them an even more attractive landing spot.