HOUSTON — One of the key members of the Astros dominance of the past few years is apparently heading out of town.
MLB.com and ESPN.com are among the outlets reporting that free agent catcher Martín Maldonado is signing with the Chicago White Sox on a one-year deal with an option. The White Sox have not yet confirmed the deal.
The writing was on the wall earlier this month when the Astros signed catcher Victor Caratini to go along with Yainer Díaz, who had a solid rookie year behind the plate in 2023. Díaz is expected to be the Astros' starting catcher this season.
Maldonado first joined the Astros in 2018 before leaving for Kansas City. He rejoined Houston in 2019 and had been with the team ever since.
Maldonado, 37, has been in the big leagues since 2011. Aside from Houston and Kansas City, he played for the Brewers and Angels.
He’s a career .207 hitter, but is known for his defense and his ability to work with pitchers.