MLB rumors: Nola/Phillies reunion DOA? Surprise catcher hot on free agent market, Mets open for business
- Where are the Phillies and Aaron Nola on a potential reunion?
- The Astros could part ways with a long-time catcher
- Mets are "open" to everything when it comes to this star
By Kristen Wong
MLB rumors: Astros catcher Martin Maldonado is drawing interest
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand believes a key Astros player could be on his way out this offseason.
Catcher Martin Maldonado has reportedly been "drawing interest from 4-5 teams" according to Feinsand's sources. Maldonado, who's been with the Astros since 2019, lost his starting position to Yainier Diaz for the 2024 season and may be tempted to find a change of scenery this winter.
Free-agent C Martin Maldonado, who has been a key piece of the Astros’ success for the past four-plus seasons, is already drawing interest from 4-5 teams, per sources.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 10, 2023
Maldonado helped the Astros win the 2022 World Series, but his numbers have steadily declined in recent years. Houston choosing Diaz as its starting catcher comes as no surprise, but the team may still want a steady backup who can serve as a mentor to Diaz throughout the season.
Maldonado already is familiar with the Astros squad and would be the most obvious and easiest choice to play second fiddle to Diaz. However, he may not want to take a backup position and could feasibly get a bigger role elsewhere.