Martin Maldonado agrees with the White Sox

Puerto Rican catcher Martin Maldonado and the White Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with an option, a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com reporter Scott Mirkin.

Maldonado, 37, spent the last six seasons with the Astros after Houston acquired him in a trade with the Angels during the 2018 offseason. The veteran has a career .207/.282/.349 off-line with an OPS+ of 72 in 13 seasons with the Astros And the Angels, Brewers, Cubs, and Royals.

Known for his stellar defense and ability to handle the pitching staff, Maldonado has been the primary catcher for the past half-decade. Although he had a .623 OPS with the Astros, a number that dropped to .593 over the past three seasons, Maldonado has established himself as a starter due to his defense and success working with Houston's pitchers. Dominican Yaner Diaz, who had a breakout season as a starter in 2023, and Puerto Rican veteran Victor Caratini, who signed a multi-year contract with Houston this winter, will share the Astros' catcher position in 2024.

For the White Sox, this is a logical signing for a team with a young pitching staff that also needs another catcher to share the role with Max Stassi, who the White Sox acquired in a trade with the Braves earlier this month. Since under new general manager Chris Getz there could be several roster changes, including a possible trade for superstar player Dylan Cease, there is value in signing a veteran player who has been on several winning teams in Houston.