2023 Projection - Bligh Madris and Martin Maldonado

The long shot and it is what it is

Bligh Madris

I’m guessing I’m not the only one surprised that I’m writing about Bligh Madris.

One wonders about this acquisition that has the feel of an insurance policy, but I’m not quite sure for what or who, though with no Yuli Gurriel on the roster first base would seem likely. 

Madris has played left field and first base in the minors, so that would seem to be the fit, if there is one in Houston.

Martin Maldonado

I don’t know what to tell you if you're hoping for more from Maldonado.  He handles the staff well, comes up with an occasional big hit and is a big team guy.

I’m not knocking those traits, they’re all needed, but I’m wondering if Maldonado gets less than 110 starts without Justin Verlander on the staff or do the Astros need him just as much with Lance McCullers’ injury and Hunter Brown’s youth on the mound?

At year's end, Maldonado will be a 36-year-old free-agent catcher with ~8,500 innings on his knees and there are two younger options that could use some seasoning.

Next up, J.J. Matijevic and Chas McCormick.