Red Sox Reportedly Eyeing Ex-Astros Catcher To Help Bolster Position This Offseason
The Boston Red Sox reportedly are looking to add another catcher into the mix this offseason.
Boston currently has Connor Wong and Reese McGuire on the roster but it sounds like the club is looking to make an addition. The Red Sox reportedly are showing interest in former Houston Astros backstop Martín Maldonado, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
"As the Red Sox move into the Craig Breslow era with a focus on pitching, they have interest in veteran catcher Martín Maldonado, renowned for his handling of pitchers," Olney said. "Maldonado, 37, played with the Astros the past five seasons, and in his time with Houston, his pitchers and managers strongly advocated for him to be behind the plate -- while the Houston front office looked for alternatives because of Maldonado's subpar offensive production.
"Last year, Maldonado hit .191 with 15 homers, a .258 on-base percentage and 66 adjusted OPS+. Maldonado has a longstanding friendship with Boston manager Alex Cora, who, like Maldonado, grew up in Puerto Rico. Last year, Connor Wong was the primary catcher for the Red Sox, playing in 126 games and generating an 80 adjusted OPS+. Reese McGuire (also with an 80 adjusted OPS+) was the backup."
Maldonado struggled offensively last season and finished with a .191/.258/.348 slash line in 116 but is very steady defensively. The 37-year-old won a Gold Glove Award in 2017 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. He is a 13-year veteran and certainly could help a Red Sox starting rotation that is expected to be very different from what it was last year.
It's too early to tell if a move actually will happen, but it would be a solid way to improve depth.
More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Utility Man Drawing Interest From 'Playoff-Caliber' Clubs Despite Down Year
