Former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado is officially retiring from baseball at the age of 39 following an impressive 15-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Maldonado, known for his exceptional defensive skills, made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2011 and played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and more recently, the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres.
Originally selected as a 27th round pick in the 2004 MLB Draft by the Angels, Maldonado signed with the Brewers as a minor league free agent and spent six seasons with the team from 2011 to 2016. During his time in Milwaukee, he primarily served as a backup to starting catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
Maldonado’s career took off when he became an everyday catcher with the Angels, where he won the Gold Glove Award in his first season. His skills behind the plate continued to shine as he contributed to the Houston Astros, culminating in a World Series victory in 2022. He concluded his playing career in San Diego this season after appearing in 64 games and making it onto their playoff roster.
Throughout his time in the majors, Maldonado earned a reputation for his outstanding game-calling ability and strong connection with pitching staffs, which helped him maintain a solid career despite a .203 batting average and 69 OPS+. His powerful throwing arm and remarkable defensive skills established him as a reliable presence behind the plate, marking him as a valued backup catcher.
As he closes this chapter of his life, we extend our best wishes to Maldonado for a fulfilling retirement. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership and resilience, particularly remembered fondly by Brewers fans, especially those who witnessed the team’s transformation during the mid-2010s. Maldonado’s contributions to the game and his role as a respected veteran will surely be missed in the baseball community.