Martin Maldonado to Cubs

[Post Count Padder]

Coolcoolcool

 

The Cubs acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Royals just two weeks ago, though Chicago is already exploring the possibility of flipping Maldonado elsewhere, The Athletic’s Robert Murray reports (subscription required). The veteran backstop “has been marketed in trade discussions….with the Houston Astros emerging as a particular team of interest,” The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney writes.

[Andy]

Coolcoolcool

 

The Cubs acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Royals just two weeks ago, though Chicago is already exploring the possibility of flipping Maldonado elsewhere, The Athletic’s Robert Murray reports (subscription required). The veteran backstop “has been marketed in trade discussions….with the Houston Astros emerging as a particular team of interest,” The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney writes.

Hey if we can get something, anything, that might be worth something at some point, that would be a good move.

[Cubswin11]

Coolcoolcool

 

The Cubs acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Royals just two weeks ago, though Chicago is already exploring the possibility of flipping Maldonado elsewhere, The Athletic’s Robert Murray reports (subscription required). The veteran backstop “has been marketed in trade discussions….with the Houston Astros emerging as a particular team of interest,” The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney writes.

I’m calling BS on this rumor. I think it’s idiots making idiotic guesses. Theo lamented with no waiver trades how he wanted to build out depth, especially at C. It’s far more likely Vic is sent down or they go with 3 catchers on the roster until Sept 1 than move Maldonado.

[Bryants Disco Ball]

Coolcoolcool

 

The Cubs acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Royals just two weeks ago, though Chicago is already exploring the possibility of flipping Maldonado elsewhere, The Athletic’s Robert Murray reports (subscription required). The veteran backstop “has been marketed in trade discussions….with the Houston Astros emerging as a particular team of interest,” The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney writes.

I’m calling BS on this rumor. I think it’s idiots making idiotic guesses. Theo lamented with no waiver trades how he wanted to build out depth, especially at C. It’s far more likely Vic is sent down or they go with 3 catchers on the roster until Sept 1 than move Maldonado.

 

Yeah, this one confuses me. For the same reasons why they traded for him is the same reason why they should still want him. Sure, if somebody makes a nice offer, fine. But that's not going to happen.

 

Also, I don't think they'd consider sending down Vic. As of right now, he has earned his spot as a Major League player. I just don't think they'd dick with him like that. He doesn't belong in the minors.

[Cubswin11]

Coolcoolcool

 

I’m calling BS on this rumor. I think it’s idiots making idiotic guesses. Theo lamented with no waiver trades how he wanted to build out depth, especially at C. It’s far more likely Vic is sent down or they go with 3 catchers on the roster until Sept 1 than move Maldonado.

 

Yeah, this one confuses me. For the same reasons why they traded for him is the same reason why they should still want him. Sure, if somebody makes a nice offer, fine. But that's not going to happen.

 

Also, I don't think they'd consider sending down Vic. As of right now, he has earned his spot as a Major League player. I just don't think they'd dick with him like that. He doesn't belong in the minors.

For roster construction/flexibility reasons he might have to go down for 2-4 weeks here. He’s proven to be a worthy backup but I’d rather send him down and preserve depth than send Maldonado away for nothing or have to do some other roster move that doesn’t optimize things.

[Bryants Disco Ball]

I’m calling BS on this rumor. I think it’s idiots making idiotic guesses. Theo lamented with no waiver trades how he wanted to build out depth, especially at C. It’s far more likely Vic is sent down or they go with 3 catchers on the roster until Sept 1 than move Maldonado.

 

Yeah, this one confuses me. For the same reasons why they traded for him is the same reason why they should still want him. Sure, if somebody makes a nice offer, fine. But that's not going to happen.

 

Also, I don't think they'd consider sending down Vic. As of right now, he has earned his spot as a Major League player. I just don't think they'd dick with him like that. He doesn't belong in the minors.

For roster construction/flexibility reasons he might have to go down for 2-4 weeks here. He’s proven to be a worthy backup but I’d rather send him down and preserve depth than send Maldonado away for nothing or have to do some other roster move that doesn’t optimize things.

 

We shall see. I suppose they always could find an injury to make up for Martin or Vic for a few weeks, too.

[Deeg]

Don't forget giving away Maldonado saves the Ricketts a few hundred thousand in salary.

[Tryptamine]

Sending down the better player just to keep Maldonado around on a team that is in a dog fight for the division and wildcard wouldn't make sense. You cannot have a bench of guys who cannot hit at all.

[Deeg]

You cannot have a bench of guys who cannot hit at all.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2019 Chicago Cubs.

[Cubswin11]

Sending down the better player just to keep Maldonado around on a team that is in a dog fight for the division and wildcard wouldn't make sense. You cannot have a bench of guys who cannot hit at all.

Vic is at a .160/.290/.160 slash line with a 33 wRC+ in the second half, since May he's at .222/.304/.354, 74 wRC+ (112 PAs) since June he's at .228/.287/.380 with a 73 wRC+ in 87 PAs (he has 129 on the year). I don't think we're missing the bat that much for the next ~30 days, especially since Willy will be catching all but a few games in August (we have an off day a week, every week in August IIRC).

[Sammy Sofa]

TRADE CARATINI.

[Backtobanks]

TRADE CARATINI.

 

He is one of the few trade chips the Cubs have without giving up their top 3-4 prospects.

[Banedon]

I don't think think they're trying to trade him. But I also don't think they're opposed in the right deal. They have 3 catchers...if he's something that can help get you a better piece, sure...go for it. But I don't think they're actively shopping him.

[Backtobanks]

I don't think think they're trying to trade him. But I also don't think they're opposed in the right deal. They have 3 catchers...if he's something that can help get you a better piece, sure...go for it. But I don't think they're actively shopping him.

 

The rumors are that the Cubs are "feverishly" working on deals, but I'm not sure who they have to offer. The farm system is pretty bare with the exception of their top 3-4 prospects (who they don't want to trade) and most of the expendables on the ML roster aren't going to get you anything. A deal with either Schwarber or Caratini headlining would probably get somebody that could help, but Happ, Russell, Almora, Garcia, Bote, etc. are basically secondary pieces in a deal.