TODAY: The Angels are also interested in Maldonado, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The Halos already have Logan O’Hoppe, Max Stassi, and Matt Thaiss lined up behind the plate, though O’Hoppe and missed most of the year due to injury and Stassi didn’t play at all due to a hip strain and time off for a family situation. Conceivably, L.A. could look to trade from this catching surplus if they brought Maldonado into the fold. Maldonado previously played for the Angels in 2017-18, making him a known quantity to the organization.
DECEMBER 1: The Astros have interest in a reunion with catcher Martin Maldonado, but they’re not alone in showing interest. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported last month that four or five clubs had shown interest in the 37-year-old, and Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports today that in addition to the Astros, Maldonado has received some level of interest from the Padres, Marlins and White Sox.
All three clubs are in need of some catching help, to varying extents. The Padres received a breakout performance from former top prospect Luis Campusano in 2023, as the 25-year-old turned in a stout .319/.356/.491 batting line in 174 plate appearances. That showing likely puts him atop the team’s depth chart, particularly following the Friars’ decision to non-tender veteran backstop Austin Nola, who’d been their primary catcher since his acquisition in 2020. Maldonado would represent a backup option — one whose acumen in terms of game-calling and game-planning would be particularly beneficial in a mentorship role for a young catcher like Campusano.
The ChiSox have a young catcher of their own, one who’s quite familiar with Maldonado: former Astros first-round pick Korey Lee. Chicago acquired Lee from Houston in the deadline trade sending Kendall Graveman back to Houston. Lee’s initial stint with the Sox went poorly, as he hit just .077/.143/.138 — albeit in a tiny sample of 70 plate appearances. Lee hit .278/.325/.386 in 82 contests at the Triple-A level last year, and the Sox will hope for something closer to that level of output in the Majors this season.
The Sox are also hoping for continued development from prospect Edgar Quero, acquired from the Angels in the Lucas Giolito/Reynaldo Lopez trade. Quero is just 20 years old and not yet on the 40-man roster, but he hit .255/.380/.351 in 101 games against far older competition at the Double-A level last year. He could be up in the big leagues at some point in 2024 or 2025. And even if his big league debut doesn’t come next season, he’d surely be in spring training with the Sox, where Maldonado could take both Quero and Lee under his wing.
Things are far more open in Miami, where the only catcher on the 40-man roster is defensive standout Nick Fortes. The Marlins non-tendered Jacob Stallings in November, and newly installed president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has already made clear that he could add multiple catchers this offseason. A pairing of Fortes and Maldonado wouldn’t do much for the Marlins offensively; Fortes hit just .204/.263/.299 last year, but he also has minor league options remaining. If the Fish were to add both Maldonado and another more seasoned catcher with superior offensive capabilities, they could option Fortes and relegate him to No. 3 on the organization’s catching depth chart.
Of course, it remains eminently possible — if not likely — that Maldonado stays put in Houston. The Astros organization has routinely extolled the veteran backstop’s intangible value to the team’s pitching staff, even as his framing grades and throwing numbers have deteriorated. The ’Stros love Maldonado’s work with their pitchers, his ability to help plan for games, and his actual game-calling skills. He still rates as an above-average catcher in terms of blocking pitches in the dirt, as well. Houston has already gone out of its way to anoint young Yainer Diaz as the primary catcher in 2024, but Maldonado could occupy a similar mentor role to the highly touted Diaz that he could offer any of his other suitors and their young catchers.
In parts of six seasons with Houston, Maldonado carries just a .191/.273/.350 batting line. That lack of offensive production makes a backup role seem likely wherever he eventually lands but also speaks to the extent to which the Astros have valued him. He’s received nearly 1600 plate appearances and twice re-signed in Houston despite that dearth of offensive output, which only underscores how much Houston loves his work with their staff.
No thanks. Would much rather have Gary Sanchez back in SD. For that matter, I’d rather have Alfaro over Maldonado.
Not so sure about Alfaro, other than his occasional dramatic HR was fun, but he really was not a good catcher or hitter.
Didn’t Alfaro have 5 walk off hits in 2022… we could have used a little of that last year.
I wouldn’t mind both he and Profar back on cheap near minimum deals.
And despite his recent problems at the Major League level, someone’s gonna take a chance on Joey Bart. But not the Giants who are remarkably in good shape with Patrick Bailey and Blake Sabol.
Bart sadly has become trash in San Francisco. Better off with replacement level Muni.
When the Pads miss out on Maldonado, Bart becomes a realistic piece of a Soto trade.
Beck, Bart, & Ramos perhaps ..
gfan – That is not what will get Soto to SF. It will have to included at least one of Harrison, Luciano and Whisenhunt. Probably two of those names.
Baseball77 — In which case, the Giants need to say no. Soto is a one year rental.
It may be worth the trade if the Giants had a good sense that they could lock him in to an extension. Of course, Soto is a Boras’ client so that is highly unlikely unless the Giants offered him Ohtani money on an extension. Even then, it would be unlikely he’d sign. Boras would probably see whatever is offered as too low.
Exactly.
If they can’t get Sanchez back, he wouldn’t be a terrible backup to Campy.
How many rings do Sanchez and Alfaro have?
They definitely need a vet to line up behind Campusano, but dear lord please just give Campy like 450+ ABs and see how he holds up over a mostly full season.
Why would SD want a defensive catcher that can’t hit? They already had that with Austin Hedges!
Or can have him again for near nothing.
Maldonado in his current form does not provide positive value for his defense. The value comes from his leadership with the pitching staff and gameplan execution.
Except his “leadership with the pitchers” is a fantasy not supported by the numbers.
Exactly! And our pitching staff is going to need every edge they can find next year.
Scioscia taught him well to his ways.
Mathis like
“Catch and throw” guys that can’t hit are a dime a dozen.
-Corky Miller
Players like Maldonado keeping the pitchers spot in the lineup alive.
Yup
Maldonado has said he wants to be the starter. He said so in two different interviews, one English language and one Spanish. He won’t get that for the Padres because they cannot afford to have his bat in the lineup 100 games a year. If they could, Nola would still be a Padre.
Weird, an mlbtr report that mentions padres and doesn’t call them broke. Well done guys!
Please not Miami… we’ve had enough .195 hitting catchers for a while.
Wouldn’t mind that for the White Sox. Good mentor for Lee and still defends well enough. Not like they’re going to contend next year anyway. Plus, their pitching staff will need all the help it can get.
The Houston Cheaters can have Higgy if they need a catcher
So 2B, SS, and C would all be non entities in the White Sox line up. Sounds like a plan.
Meh. It’s not like offense is that important in baseball. More solo dingers for Lou Bob
They’re not going to contend next year, so what does it matter? Take 2024 as an opportunity to learn, change the culture, and maybe sign some bounce back guys who they trade at the deadline. Despite JR’s delusions, they won’t be competitive in 2024 and likely not in 2025, so a lack of offense in the short-term doesn’t bother me.
Yup. Put me down for Dog Day, Elvis Night and Halfway to St Paddy’s Day
I can see the Sox overpaying for him at far too many years.. Yeah, that’s something I see the org doing.. I guess this off season we are going to see how much Getz has ‘learned’ from KW and Rick Hahn.
nrd: When I read the headline, I laughed. Then, when I read your comment about the Sox overpaying for him, I laughed even harder. Signing a player who is at the end of his career, whose only real quality is as a mentor for a really bad C (Lee) and one in AA, should only be added as a coach. If this is Getz’ idea of a “retooling or an opportunity to get players that will make them a contender in 3024-I mean 2024 –
nrd: When I read the headline, I laughed. Then, when I read your comment about the Sox overpaying for him, I laughed even harder. reinsdorf underpays, not overpays. Signing a player who is at the end of his career, whose only real quality is as a mentor for a really bad C (Lee) and one in AA, should only be added as a coach. If this is Getz’ idea of a “retooling” or an opportunity to get players that will make them a contender in 3024-I mean 2024 – he’s fooling himself. But he’s not fooling anyone else. Hey, Getz! THIS-IS-A-REBUILD!!!
Retool is a soft rebuild. I’m pretty sure that Getz is looking more in 2025/2026 rather than 2024.
No chance the Astros sign him again. Brown can’t come out and say that, but he is no fan of Maldonado’s abilities at this point
He still has the reputation as a good defender, but every metric says he is awful now, as does the eye test when you watch him on a daily basis
You have no idea how important a non stat catcher’s wins games for your team. Ask the Cards!
Maldonado returning to the Astros would be a backward step. He is terrible at everything.
“He still rates as an above-average catcher in terms of blocking pitches in the dirt, as well.” Last time I looked he was leading MLB in passed balls. His mystical powers with the pitchers is a fairy tale invented by Crusty Baker as justification for keeping him in the lineup, when he is a walking strikeout.
In point of fact, Astros pitchers had a better ERA when Diaz was catching last season..
Thank you. I get torched for mentioning Diaz should’ve started a lot more in September and playoffs by blinded Dusty fans
Chicago makes the most sense as he could help with Lee’s development.
The Marlins already have a defense first Catcher in Fortes and just got rid of one in Stallings. Grandal makes more sense as they have said they are looking for an offensive Catcher.
The Padres could re-sign Sanchez or sign Hedges or Stallings to be the defensive Catcher with Campusano serving as the offensive part of the duo
The Marlins want a C that provides offense, not a player that is offensive to the position of C. Grandal is no longer feasible at the position for any serious team.
Absolutely. And we need Maldonado like a hole in the head. We’ve got enough holes in the lineup as it is. Marlins should sign Garver, or work a deal for either Bart or Herrera.
Rsox: I think Maldonado can definitely mentor Lee. Lee has already mastered the passed ball. The only thing left is on offense, where Maldonado is the clear choice for helping Lee get his BA close to .100.
I think you might be a bit harsh on Lee. He caught 23 games and only had 2 passed balls. His batting was woeful, but he is young and is settling into a new club so give him a bit more time. I was surprised we let him go to be honest.
The White Sox have lost their way. Why would they sign a washed up catcher when they have no pitching?
They may as well bring back Grandal on a cheap one year deal if that’s the case.
Absolutely, Yaz at least knows his way around the spread and can at least pass on his knowledge of framing and coax some good ABs even if his legs are shot. Whereas Maldo seems to be a big empty
He’s not washed on defense though. He’s average at best on the plate. Sure his bat is useless but that’s been his whole career. White Sox need everything this off-season.
Aiden: Not Grandal. The Sox should never have signed him in the first place.
I was talking about Maldonaldo not Grandal. Yes it was a terrible contract only because of the final two years of his contract.
Yeah Yaz was plenty hurt but he had 2 productive years including a stretch there where he carried the club with his ability to get on base and coax pitches. Unless it’s a 1 mill Dennis De Jong type contract I’d say hard pass on Maldo.
ponytail: Because he’s cheap. The WS motto for 2023-24? “Salary Over Talent”.
The better question is why would a 37/38 year old in demand FA catcher sign up for a 162 game death march w/ the White Sox?
Martin Maldonado has the biggest rear end in MLB.
No one will notice if he goes to South Beach. People will be checking out the Miami women with their big rear-ends.
Marlins need to stay away from Maldonado. There are too many other, more sensible options available.
Please name for us your choice? I mean, since there are so many sensible options available.
Pick any guy that will be entering an age under 37 next season, who hit above the Mendoza Line.
I’m not replacing one has-been catcher with another guy who’s a few years older.
I’d even prefer a flyer on younger ones that teams have given up on, like Bart from San Francisco. I’d even pay the ransom for Sal Perez before I go Maldonado. I’d even prefer just bringing Banfield up a little early.
Be careful what you wish for. A younger catcher who can’t hit is likely to be around longer than an older one
I’m willing to take that chance.
Hi, MFB, sorry, no way I would spend money on Maldonado. Rather put that money on Caratini. Younger, better hitter, calls a good game and can hit way better than Maldo. If I was a GM in Miami I would go after Caratini. If I had a chance to trade any of our pitchers I would only do it for a good prospect that would be shortstop period.
@frankpr21
My last comment wasn’t that I’d take a chance on Maldonado. I was referring that I’d take a chance on someone else. See my other comments in this thread. I absolutely don’t want Maldonado either.
Caratini is a another good example of someone to get instead of Maldonado.
a sleepy catcher who might just fall asleep behind the plate!
Drake: It won’t make a difference since the Sox won’t have anyone to throw the ball. A rotation of, uh, let’s see…Scholtens, Deivi “dfa” Garcia, what’s-his-name Urena, another dfa who wasn’t – but will be – resigned, and whatever other garbage they pick up off other team’s scrap heaps. That reminds me. I have to call Monday and reserve my season tickets. I hope there’s still good seats available.
Marlins need Vazquez
Unless he comes in for only a balance of 15, max 18 and someone like Okert.
Tough crowd here on catchers.
There currently are not many good hitting catchers, compared to what fans expect from the past.
I’m not sure if I wouldn’t rate ATL as having two of the top 6 catchers.
Probably going to White Sox. As another commenter mentions at least three possibly four dead spots on the line up for 2024
RJNarvick: Whoever said that is being generous. C, 2b (for the third year in a row), SS, RF, starting rotation and bullpen. After Eloy and Robert are traded all that will be left are piano-legs Vaughn, who is nowhere close to Abreu defensively, and Moncada, who is very underrated by people who only know about his injuries and not his ability both offensively and defensively.
Can he play shortstop?
Oh cool, the Marlins will upgrade at C by signing the ghetto cersion of Jacob Stallings
I wouldn’t give a bag of donuts for Maldonado, and I hope the Marlins front office quickly moves on to better options. We need a lineup filled with powerful bats.
How come no one is talking about one of the best options out there for the catching position ? Good defensive player, can hit way better than Forte and Stallings put together. Has a reputation of calling a good game, has on his resume calling 3 no hitters games. He can be sign for 2 max 3 years for around 20, 22 mil. How about V Caratini ? I think he is one of the best option and no mention of his name as a free agent. Markins please get this player.
@frankpr21. You know what? Though I’d prefer Garver, Herrera or Bart, I would agree with you that Caratini does represent a medium decent option. Certainly an upgrade. For the C position, defense and game-calling skills are paramount, but it’s also true that the Marlins can’t afford someone who’s a rally-killing black hole in the lineup. At least Caratini would carry his weight.
How about Eric Haase? Has power, calls a good game, can play OF. He would be cheaper than Caratini as well. He’s not a full time C, but not many are these days.
Edone, hi there. Give the stats on him and how he is better than Caratini who has been and still is a full time catcher. Who is a swicht hitter and can be a dull time catcher and will be a great complement to Forte. Their defense would and could the best in the national league. Defense counts for a lot in this position. Also Caratini calls a good game he can help immensely someone like Cabrera who can become similar to Sandy and many scouts say he has better stuff than Sandy. So this is my ticket.
We need someome that can be a different maker not a wanna be or part time catcher. It takes a lot to prepared, and execute a game plan. Also let me come clean I know Caratini so I have a preference doe him over Maldonado. I know them well so them play in Wintet Ball in PR for many years. Maldonado is a heck of a catcher but not even in the PR league was a good hitter.
Did Maldonado call for all of those bean balls, or did that punk Bryan Abreu do it on his own?
Justin Verlander demands the Astros bring back Maldonado.
OMG let’s get the winter meetings started already enough talk about marginal players
Teams often win championships with catchers who don’t hit.
Makes zero sense that the Angels have interest. They are set at catcher and have numerous needs in the starting rotation, bullpen, infield, etc. Yet we spend time hiring a bunch of useless coaches and worrying about positions that they actually have depth in. Stassi has already said he’s set to go ob opening day. O’Hoppe is a stud and Thaiss is more than capable. This continues to prove the point that Moreno and Minassian have no idea what they’re doing and cannot build a competitive team.
Can trade Stassi and his $7 mil price tag
I don’t get all the interest for Maldonado this offseason. His offense is practically nonexistent and his defense has become average to below average. It seems he survives to play another year on the idea that he will somehow reverse aging by 10 years. I don’t think that will happen. My guess is, whoever signs him won’t have him on the roster by July 1st.
His sub-.200 batting average will move to sub-.150.
Got it. Lets hope that they make a good decision, smart one too. Hopefully the new GM brings his smarts over and instead of trading from the pitching depth to put some money to work. Also there is some capital to be use wisely on this team. Lets say, example Jazz, Luzardo, Araez they can bring a lot of talent for now and the long run. But, fear crips in and paralyzed people. Anyway, that is why the Rays are the Rays and everyone else is wasting a lot of money in a name or what look shiny. Stanton, Tatis, DeGrom, schertzer etc. So how did that work for Texas, Padres even the Mets last season.