The Chicago White Sox are adding their second former Houston Astros catcher this offseason.
The White Sox are reportedly in agreement to sign 1-time Gold Glove catcher and 1-time World Series champion Martin Maldonado. The deal is said to be for one year guaranteed plus a team option for the following year.
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
Martin Maldonado to the White Sox. 1 year plus option. @ByRobertMurray reported close White Sox continue to improve the defense
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 27, 2023
Maldonado has been the Astros’ primary catcher over the last three seasons. The Puerto Rican batted .191 with 15 home runs for Houston last season.
Maldonado is not known for his prowess at the plate. But the 13-year veteran adds big-game experience to the White Sox, having started in 5 World Series games for the Astros in 2022. Maldonado has played in 65 postseason games throughout his career.
The 37-year-old catcher is also a plus defender. He tied for 14th in the majors last season with 11 baserunners caught stealing over 70 attempts.
Maldonado joins Max Stassi as the second veteran catcher the White Sox acquired to fill the void behind the plate left by free agent Yasmani Grandal. Stassi caught for the Astros from 2013-2019.
The White Sox, who are coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign, have made a couple of significant changes heading into next season. They added a former All-Star to try to replace shortstop Tim Anderson.
Chicago is also reeling from a certain departure away from the field.
