Houston Astros Catcher Maldonado Adamant On Quieting Critics
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Martín Maldonado has been a stalwart behind the plate for the Houston Astros. While he has never been known for his bat throughout his career, the Puerto Rican has been one of the best defensive catchers in the game while also taking on the role of a consummate leader.
Maldonado played through injury last season, but that didn't affect him from being a mentor to the younger pitchers who have had little experience on the big stage of the MLB postseason.
That is why it came as a bit of a slight when the Astros front office and manager Dusty Baker were so public and vocal about adding a marquee catcher such as former Chicago Cub Willson Contreras.
“We just won the World Series and I felt like I sacrificed my whole body playing through injuries for the team," said Maldonado. "I was a little sad. But I understand the business. I know as an owner, as a front office, they’re going to try to always get the best position players available and help the team get better. Willson was the best free-agent catcher out there. I understand the business.”
However, he isn't letting the noise get to him. Despite the talk, Maldonado is still the undisputed number one back stop for the World Champion Astros. That isn't to say Houston won't add someone at the deadline, but for now, it's his to lose.
“I’ve been in the game many years. It’s something, for me, that motivates me moving forward,” Maldonado said. “It’s funny because you see the comments of the fans, all that stuff. We had just won the World Series. I know they weren’t happy about my batting average, I understand that, but I hit 15 homers — a career-high — a career high in RBIs. I was a little disappointed in some fans that they were a little more against me than happy we were after Contreras.”
He will have his chance to quiet the critics as the beginning of the 2023 MLB season is just around the corner. The Astros and Maldonado have one thing on their mind.
Win another World Series.
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