Houston Astros looking to nab and reunite with catcher Martin Maldonado

The Houston Astros are reportedly trying to target catcher Martin Maldonado who was recently traded to the Chicago Cubs. What’s going on?

I can’t believe it — it’s getting even more exciting Houston Astros fans. The July 31 MLB trade deadline is on final approach and I’ve got a great feeling that something awesome is going to happen.

Although I cannot fully assert that notion, based off the track record of the front office for this franchise goes to show that they’re going to be able to find the help that they need.

I’m positive that Jeff Luhnow knows the score and he’s ready to put himself — as well as the Houston Astros — on the winning side of the scoreboard by seizing the trade deadline by being the ultimate aggressor.

What’s the score?

You already know that the Houston Astros need help in their pitching rotation. Getting another starter is a priority but it would be nice for the team to grab a left-handed reliever as well. If they don’t get the latter, that’s fine because another starter is of the most importance.

So far, the Houston Astros have been linked to Noah Syndergaard, Matthew Boyd and Robbie Ray via rumors and the latest indicates that they’re trying to get Syndergaard, there may have been some sort of a retreat by the organization because of his asking price.

While the team is working getting a pitcher, they also need an upgrade at the catching position. Robinson Chirinos has been a terrific addition this season but he has cooled off a bit at the plate. That’s okay because he certainly gives a lot of defensive prowess at the plate.

However, Max Stassi has become the weakest link and it’s definitely plausible to say that his days are numbered as a member of the Houston Astros.

Stassi’s .167/.235/.211 line is hardly one that slashes and his three ribbies and one homer through 90 at-bats is just not cutting it as well. If he was a stronger defender, he still might have shot on the roster but it’s looking like this era is about to come to an end.

Why?

According to The Athletic’s Robert Murray, the Chicago Cubs are looking to shop catcher Martin Maldonado, whom they acquired just two weeks via trade with the Kansas City Royals.

It’s apparent that they have buyer’s remorse but considering they gave up Mike Montgomery, I thought they were going to keep Maldonado around for a while.

But Maldonado has yet to collect a hit through 11 at-bats in four games with the Cubs so it’s apparent he’s likely going to be on the move as well.

The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney indicates that the Houston Astros have interest in Maldonado —

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just as they did before he was traded away from the Royals — and have emerged as a possible destination for him.

The team shouldn’t have to give up more than a lower-level prospect to make this deal happen but if the team wants more from the Cubs, they could dangle Tony Kemp — who was designated for assignment last week — and grab a player who could actually help out this roster.

Regardless, I’d welcome back Maldonado with open arms as I’m still puzzled as to why he wasn’t on this roster, to begin with.

It shouldn’t have been about the money as the Royals signed the 32-year-old to a one-year, $2.5 million deal at the start of the season. He’s not expensive by any means and he will give the catching position a jolt defensively if he were to be acquired.

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He’s also familiar with the organization so there will be no break-in period, he’ll just pick up right where he left off.

Here’s to hoping — go Houston Astros!

Maldonado is hitting .217/.285/.349 with 17 RBIs and six home runs through 249 at-bats in 78 games this season.

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