Report: Houston Astros "Supportive" of Maldonado's Contract Vesting for 2023

With Korey Lee in the wings, the Houston Astros welcome another season of Martín Maldonado in 2023.

If Martín Maldonado plays 90 or more games this season, a vesting option activates for the 2023 season. While 13 games away, the Houston Astros are supportive of Maldonado returning for his fourth full season, per Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston.

The team option is worth $4 million but becomes $5 million once Maldonado plays his 90th game. The Astros also have a $500,000 buyout option. And as the 35-year-old approaches the threshold, he is coming off his best offensive month of the season slashing .254/.315/.537 with five home runs.

The Astros have three catchers on the 40-man roster presently, with Jason Castro and Korey Lee backing up Maldonado. This offseason, Castro enters free agency while Houston will most certainly protect Triple-A backstop Yainer Diaz from the Rule 5 Draft.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

1. Astros Prospect Solomon Tosses Five No-Hit Innings in Triple-A
2. Álvarez Walks Off Mariners for Astros' Series Win
3. Artist Brendan Murphy on His Signature Addition to Minute Maid Park
4. Astros Should Pursue This New Available Catcher at MLB Trade Deadline
5. Report: Cardinals Expressing Interest in Astros' Odorizzi
6. Toro Terrorizes Astros With Late-Game Heroics
7. Valdez Breaks Into Astros' Top-30 Prospect Ranking
8. Report: Diamondbacks Trade David Peralta to Rays for Minor League Prospect
9. Dodgers Acquire Reliever Martin from Cubs
10. Report: Astros, Rays Discuss Ji-Man Choi, Jose Urquidy Swap

---

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!