Astros Sign Caratini, Say Goodbye to Maldonado at Winter Meetings

Houston is making some noise at the Winter Meetings this year.

The Houston Astros have finally started making some moves during Hot Stove season signing switch-hitting catcher Victor Caratini to a two-year deal. As Jeff Balke discusses on the Bleav in Astros podcast, this means a fond farewell to Martin Maldonado, who was the team’s starting catcher for the last four years. While “Machete” starting was controversial last season, he was a fan favorite and one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.

Now, second-year player Yainer Diaz will get his shot to be the everyday catcher for a team that still boasts Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Cristian Javier on their staff, with Caratini penciled in as a capable veteran backup who probably will hit better than he will catch.

More moves are likely coming for the team, but they won’t include trading Alex Bregman, according to GM Dana Brown. Could they trade someone else like outfielder Jake Meyers or pitcher Jose Urquidy? The Astros are still trying to compete for a World Series while replenishing a farm system ravished by trades and lost picks due to the sign-stealing scandal.

Finally, Balke discusses the case of former Astro closer Billy Wagner to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. With 68.1 percent of the vote last year, he should be able to eclipse the required 75 percent to make the Hall. He is certainly deserving.