Veteran catcher Martín Maldonado has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Chicago White Sox according to FanSided’s Robert Murray, citing sources. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported the deal is worth one year, plus an option.
Free-agent catcher Martín Maldonado and the Chicago White Sox are close to an agreement, according to sources familiar with the situation.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 27, 2023
Maldonado was highly-favored on the market after the Houston Astros made Yainer Diaz the starter behind the dish. The team was still reported to be interested in a reunion, however.
A veteran catcher is often deemed imperative to a team, despite the numbers not being there.
The 37-year-old has as a career .207/.282/.349 line with a Gold Glove Award across 13 seasons.
As I said, it’s what he was able to bring to the clubhouse that made him stand out.
After all, this is the guy that former Astros manager Dusty Baker deemed as his “field manager,” and “the most prepared player in baseball,” as he described to Yahoo Sports in August.
How can you deny the impact a man has when Baker calls you “Aa God-fearing man that’s also borderline gangster?”
He’ll be the perfect addition to a squad which will possess plenty of young arms in the pitching rotation. He’s an advocate for those on the mound.
The Los Angeles Angels and the Miami Marlins both showed interest in the veteran catcher.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.