PT TOMORROW: AL WEST—Under the radar and MLB-ready

Houston Astros

It was inevitable, Martín Maldonado's (C, HOU) appearance in his 90th game last week triggered a $5m 2023 option. But with trade deadline acquisition Christian Vázquez (C, HOU) likely using free agency to seek a multi-year deal elsewhere, only half of the club's catching tandem seems set—particularly since HOU continues to give the defense-first Maldonado the bulk of the playing time despite another sub-par offensive performance (.179 BA through 285 BA). Maldonado is selling at the plate, and approaching his MLB HR high, with 12 to date. But a woeful 66% ct% and career .208 BA are entrenched—and at age 37 next season, Maldonado will likely be spending his last year with the Astros.

The pitching-first club has handed...

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