Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Split Between Top Free Agent and Fan Favorite at Catcher

Th Houston Astros are deciding between Willson Contreras and Martín Maldonado at the catcher's position.

Kade Kistner

Houston Astros Split Between Top Free Agent and Fan Favorite at Catcher
Houston Astros Split Between Top Free Agent and Fan Favorite at Catcher /
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The Houston Astros have a decision to make this winter. Whatever choice they make at the catcher position could dictate how their season unfolds. It's an ever-important selection, especially given their direct influence upon pitching staff.

The Astros now must decide between All-Star and former Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, and fan favorite Martín Maldonado. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Houston is interested in Contreras, but they aren't taking the decision lightly. Supposedly, the front office is split between the two options. 

By going with Maldonado, Houston will have to likely promote prospects to help back him up. Contreras on the other hand is an offensive powerhouse that would immediately bulk up the Astros lineup.

Maldonado, who is a defense first catcher, can at times be a liability offensively, evidenced by his .209/.285/.349 career slashline. 

That being said, Maldonado has played an integral part in helping shape the Astros' rotation and has been a key cog in their sustained success. Add on top the fact that Maldonado is a fan favorite and the decision is no longer a simple one. 

So, do you go the All-Star free agent route or stick with the defensively minded fan favorite?

Houston is about to find out.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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