2023-11-12 19:23:44
Martín Maldonado has been the starting catcher for the Houston Astros in the last three seasons, however, and despite his wisdom and good relationship with his teammates, the board would be willing to let him pass in free agency, with Joe Espada as new manager, refresh the position for the future.
The main reason why Maldonado is packing his bags to move from Houston is the emergence of young catcher Yainer Díaz, who will be the Astros’ starting catcher from 2024.
Maldonado left an offensive line of .191/.258/.348 with 15 home runs and 36 RBIs in 362 at-bats in the 2023 campaign, remaining in debt despite being a reliable cover thanks to his 13 years of experience in the Major Leagues .
Martin Maldonado Reportedly Drawing Interest From Several Teams pic.twitter.com/zE8rhiVdK9
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 12, 2023
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, there are 4 or 5 teams interested in adding Maldonado, who has a market value of $3 million annually and can still be useful in any competitive organization.
The Astros might be one of those interested teams, but if Maldonado returns, he will be the backup for Díaz, a 25-year-old Dominican who is ready to take responsibility following shining offensively in 2023.
Díaz had an offensive line of .282/.308/.538 with 22 doubles, 23 home runs and 60 RBIs in 355 at-bats in the recently concluded campaign.
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