Marlins catcher upgrade options that can make a huge impact

Martin Maldonado - Astros Catcher

The very seasoned catcher for the Astros this past season will certainly be a huge upgrade for the Marlins. Maldonado is not known for his offensive presence certainly. This past season he actually had a power surge and hit 15 home runs and drove in 36. This was true for the year prior as well as then he also had 15 home runs and drove in 45. Maldonado has hit below the Mendoza line for 3 straight seasons so don’t expect anything from the batters box. 

Maldonado is known for two things that would be a big time upgrade for the Marlins. Machete is known for cutting down the opposing teams’ base runners. In 2021 Maldonado cut down 40% of runners trying to steal a base and that number has diminished in the past two years but he has done much better prior so it is a possibility.  

Most baseball gurus will laud Maldonado’s game management as hit best asset. He does well in calling pitches and working with his pitchers. If Maldonado doesn’t retire or return to the Astros as a backup, he could do well as a starter in Miami. The young Marlins pitching staff could greatly benefit from his pitch calling and it would help them develop. Both his strong arm and pitch calling will be bonus’ for the Marlins and they should consider him if he is available.