White Sox Sign Martin Maldonado to a One-Year Contract

The Chicago White Sox have recently agreed to a one-year contract with experienced catcher Martin Maldonado. This move comes after the departure of Yasmani Grandal, who left the team via free agency. Maldonado, aged 37, is expected to take on the role of Grandal behind the plate.

Maldonado’s signing with the White Sox marks a reunion with former teammate Korey Lee, who was traded from the Houston Astros to Chicago last summer. The duo will likely share playing time, with Lee continuing to develop as a big league catcher. Maldonado has an extensive career, having appeared in 1,118 games over 13 years, including 65 postseason games.

Although Maldonado’s batting performance has declined in recent seasons, hitting under .200 in each of the last three years, his skills in game calling and managing pitching staffs are highly regarded. During his time with the Astros, Houston consistently ranked in the top 10 in ERA. Maldonado was a key contributor to three World Series teams, including the championship-winning team in 2022.

The White Sox are currently undergoing a rebuilding process for their pitching staff. They traded three starters in July and let another one (Mike Clevinger) walk via free agency this winter. The team’s pitching staff struggled last season, ranking 26th in ERA. However, they recently signed starter Erick Fedde, who won the equivalent of the Cy Young Award in the KBO last season.

Maldonado’s role with the White Sox will involve improving the team’s pitching performance and mentoring Lee, who is expected to become the long-term starter after Maldonado’s departure. This signing aims to strengthen the White Sox’s pitching staff and contribute to their rebuilding efforts.