The Kansas City Royals have their catcher for the 2019 season.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals have agreed to terms with catcher Martin Maldonado on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, where he will serve as the starting catcher as Salvador Perez recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Free-agent catcher Martin Maldonado in agreement with #Royals on one-year, $2.5M contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal, which is pending a physical, also includes $1.4M in incentives. Can re-enter market next offseason.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 9, 2019
Maldonado only hit .225 last season, but is regarded as a quality defensive catcher who can handle a pitching staff. He will almost certainly be disappointed with how his offseason has gone in light of what he reportedly turned down at the start of it.
