Veteran catcher Martin Maldonado won’t return to the Houston Astros for his third stint with the franchise. Instead, Maldonado opted to sign a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.
According to MLB Network’s insider Mark Feinsand, Maldonado will receive a $4 million salary in 2024. The agreement also gives the White Sox a $4 million club option for 2025.
Maldonado spent the past four-and-a-half seasons with the Astros. During that time, he was considered a valuable member of the organization, developing a strong rapport with the team’s pitchers while also providing veteran leadership and strong defense.
However, after the 37-year-old player experienced a down campaign in 2023, the Astros opted not to re-sign him. Instead, the team agreed to a deal with Victor Caratini while also planning to lean more heavily on second-year catcher Yainer Diaz.
Maldonado will now step into the White Sox’s clubhouse to replace two-time All-Star Yasmani Grandal, who departed in free agency. He is expected to bring experience to a rebuilding team that should feature several new pitchers next season.
During his 13 years in the MLB, Martin Maldonado also played with the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago Cubs, among other teams. He has a batting average of .207 with 111 homers and 361 RBIs. Maldonado was part of the Astros’ team that won the World Series in 2022 and has one Golden Glove award on his resume.
