BREAKING: Padres agree to contract with ex-Astros, White Sox catcher

The San Diego Padres and veteran catcher Martín Maldonado have reportedly agreed to a minor-league contract, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

Maldonado, 38, has been a part of MLB since 2011, spending time with teams including the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. He is best known for his stints with the Brewers and Astros, playing parts of six seasons with each franchise.

While not known for his offensive production, Maldonado earned a Gold Glove in 2017 with the Angels and is highly regarded for his defensive abilities and expertise in working with pitchers. Most recently, he played for the White Sox in 2024, posting a .119/.174/.230 slash line in 48 games. Despite his struggles at the plate, his experience could make him a strong candidate for the Padres’ backup catcher role, though no guarantees have been made.

The Padres are actively working to strengthen their roster as the offseason progresses. Signing a veteran like Maldonado adds depth behind the plate and provides a valuable presence for managing the pitching staff.

However, the Padres’ biggest offseason storyline remains their pursuit of top pitcher Roki Sasaki. They are among the finalists for the coveted right-hander, competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Adding Sasaki would be a significant move for the Padres as they aim to challenge the Dodgers in the NL West.

With spring training approaching, the Padres still have opportunities to make additional roster upgrades to bolster their competitive outlook for the 2025 season.