Astros Bring Back Martin Maldonado In Swap With Cubs

Image credit: Martin Maldonado (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Astros acquired catcher Martin Maldonado at the trade deadline for the second straight year on Wednesday, receiving the veteran catcher from the Cubs in exchange for utilityman Tony Kemp.

The Astros acquired Maldonado at the trade deadline from the Angels last year for lefthanded pitching prospect Patrick Sandoval. After signing with the Royals in the offseason and joining the Cubs in a trade earlier this month, Maldonado is headed back to Houston.

ASTROS ACQUIRE

Martin Maldonado, C
Age: 32

Maldonado remains the same player as always—a light-hitting, defensive standout behind the plate. He has thrown out 32 percent of runners this year while ranking above-average in virtually every defensive metric. Maldonado fortifies the Astros backup situation behind Robinson Chirinos, where fellow light-hitter and lesser defender Max Stassi was previously getting most of the reps. 

CUBS ACQUIRE

Tony Kemp, 2B/LF
Age: 27

Kemp gives the Cubs the second base option they desperately needed with Addison Russell sent back to the minors, Ben Zobrist on the restricted list, Daniel Descalso out indefinitely with a sprained ankle, David Bote better suited for third base and Ian Happ batting .242 in Triple-A. Kemp also provides a speed element lacking from the Cubs lineup and the versatility to move to the outfield.