MALDONADO MOVES TO THE ASTROS
The Houston Astros acquired catcher Martin Maldonado from the Los Angeles Angels for pitcher Patrick Sandoval and international bonus pool money in 2018-19.
What does it give the Houston Astros
The Central Division leaders needed more depth behind the plate, due to the injury status of veteran Brian McCann. Enter Maldonado, who will assume starting duties at catcher while McCann remains on the disabled list.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
The Angels decided to trade away their starting catcher in return for Sandoval, a quality left-handed pitching prospect who is a few years away from reaching Los Angeles. The Halos also received $250,000 in bonus pool money.
Fantasy impact
Sandoval should now be on the keeper-league radar, and he could be a solid late-round draft pick next year. Maldonado is mostly a defensive catcher, so his value remains negligible. The big loser here is Max Stassi, who will likely use playing time behind the plate in Houston with Maldonado now ahead of him on the depth chart. Jose Briceno and Francisco Arcia will now assume catching duties in LA, but neither is recommendable from a fantasy standpoint.
