...
By Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, San Diego Padres catcher Martin Maldanado is planning to retire at the end of the season. This comes as a bit of a shock, but it makes quite a bit of sense.
"San Diego Padres veteran Gold Glove catcher Martin Maldonado plans to retire after this season, giving him 15 years in the major leagues," Nightengale wrote. "He says he wants to take a year off after retirement, and then is interested in getting back in the game on a coaching staff."
...
Read More on MLB
Maldanado, 38, has struggled over the last few seasons. With the Padres, he's slashing .188/.234/.307 with a 50 OPS+ and a negative WAR. It marks the second consecutive season Maldanado has posted a negative WAR.
Across his 15-year big league career, the veteran has never been an above-average hitter, but his leadership and defensive abilities have kept him around.
The Padres signed him as a depth option, and he's seen work in 43 games this year. With his production being as poor as it has been, there's a chance San Diego looks to replace him before the year is up.
At this point, the veteran isn't a very competitive big leaguer. But that shouldn't take away from the tremendous career he's put together to this point.
With over 1,200 games played and a positive career WAR, Maldanado will deserve some respect when he hangs up the cleats, likely at the end of this season.
More MLB: Phillies Predicted To Cut Ties With Struggling Young Catcher This Season
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines