Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
When Martin Maldonado’s name jumps into a conversation, we can all agree it is in regard to his defensive contributions. While only hitting to a .179/.284/.320 tune this season, the right-hander’s .603 OPS is not his major contribution to the Houston Astros.
The catcher is now 35-years-old with an extension through the 2022 season (vesting option for 2023), which would make you think he could be hanging on by a thread in the major-leagues come his free agency. Well, with his most recent defensive resurgence, Maldonado could easily play three more seasons with his caught stealing percentage climbing to what it once was.