There wasn’t exactly much doubt entering the winter, but Martín Maldonado’s time with the Houston Astros officially came to an end Tuesday as the veteran catcher reportedly signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Maldonado now moves to the American League Central after four-plus years with the Astros. And while Maldonado’s offensive statistics aren’t that of an impact player, the fiery backstop was undoubtedly a key piece of this most recent phase of Houston’s dynasty. Maldonado was the starting catcher for a remarkable three no-hitters during his time with the Astros, and he was consistently renowned as an excellent game-caller and defensive catcher. As closer Ryan Pressly said in August, Maldonado behind the plated acted as “essentially our quarterback.”
As Maldonado now exits Houston, he sports quite the impressive resume: over 3,500 innings caught, 58 regular-season home runs, three World Series appearances and one championship. Not bad for a player who was an effectively a journeyman before coming to Houston via trade in 2019.
Maldonado will now reunite with a former teammate as the White Sox likely eye a catching platoon in 2024. Former top Houston prospect Korey Lee is now with Chicago following a July trade between the two franchises, in which Houston received relief pitcher Kendall Graveman. Lee registered just five hits in 65 at-bats with Chicago last season. Graveman was absent from the 2023 playoffs due to a shoulder injury. Both players are looking to bounce back in 2024, though Graveman’s MLB future feels more secure than that of the young catcher.
The pair of former Houston catchers have six chances to exact revenge on their former franchise in 2024. Chicago hosts the Astros for a three-game set in mid-June, two months before the White Sox visit Minute Maid Park.
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