MLB
Martín Maldonado swaps Houston for the White Sox
The 37-year-old Puerto Rican catcher entered MLB free agency and is now heading to the Windy City.
After six years with the Houston Astros, catcher Martín Maldonado entered free agency last month. The 37-year-old Puerto Rican is all set to leave Minute Maid Park and will spend the 2024 MLB season at Guaranteed Rate Field after agreeing a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.
According to different reports, Maldonado moves to the Windy City franchise in what will be the next step in his career after having enjoyed spells in Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Kansas City over the years. Chicago is a city he is already familiar with - he spent 16 days with the Cubs in July 2019 before returning to Houston. According to columnist Jon Heyman, Maldonado, the winner of the Gold Glove in 2017 could also have the option to extend his stay in Chicago until 2025.
As for the Astros, it is expected that they will give Dominican Yainer Díaz an opportunity to be the starting catcher. Díaz, who is 25-year-old is tipped for a great future ahead. Facing such a scenario, Maldonado had little choice but to seek a move elsewhere.
But as one door closes, another opens - an opportunity awaits in Chicago where Yasmani Grandal, who was the star in Chicago, put himself up for free agency: “I’m just going to see what’s out there. I’ve got two young boys who don’t like to be away from dad too much. I’ll sit down, think about it and see what fits,” Grandal explained back at the start of October.
Maldonado leaves his mark in Houston
Dominican catcher Maldonado, nicknamed El Machete, can boast of having been a Major League champion with the Astros in 2022 season and also of having registered three no-hitters when he caught Framber Valdez’s no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians back in August this year, so his legacy at Minute Maid Park is secure.