LA Angels Free Agency Breakdown: Catchers

ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 24: Houston Astros Martín Maldonado hugs Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during batting practice at Angel Stadium on April 24, 2018 in Anaheim, California. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

The Depth Piece

The perfect depth piece for the Angels is Martin Maldonado. He would fit in perfectly with the current team just like he did the past two years he spent in Anaheim. Maldonado never got the credit he deserved while in Anaheim, but he was one of the most important players on the team.

A Gold Glove winner in 2017, Maldonado’s defense did fall from the elite category in 2018. He seemed a step behind with passed balls, but he was still a rock solid catcher. While the Angels did trade him to the Houston Astros, there seems to be no bad blood between the franchise and him.

Maldonado did turn 32 earlier this season, but it does not seem like his career is on the downward trend. In fact, he had a batting average of .225. While that is no All Star mark, it is higher than his career average.

The best part of Maldonado’s game is his game management and his relationship with his pitcher. As soon as it was announced Shohei Ohtani would begin in MLB career with the Angels, Maldonado demanded two years worth of film on the Japanese phenom, and their relationship was one of the best on the team.

He would not be the flashiest signing. But the Angels were a better team with Maldonado this year, and they’d arguably be a much better team in 2019 should they reunite with Martin Maldonado.

Unless….

The Depth Piece

Schedule