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...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Phillies are poised to finally end the Braves dominance of the division -- can they sustain that when the Braves are healthy in 2025?
Sep 21 2024 3:15am
Wilson had a great 2024 in the minors and looks to breakout with the A's in 2025.
Sep 20 2024 3:05am
Heston Kjerstad could be the beneficiary of Anthony Santander's pending free agency in BAL. Plus, hitters vying for 2025 playing time for TAM and TOR, and the effects of pending free agencies for BOS and NYY.
Sep 17 2024 3:10am
A look around the division with some questions for next year, including the Kansas City rotation and shortstop in Detroit.
Sep 13 2024 3:10am
MIL could have a new look infield, CHC still hasn't solved its problem at 3B, two situations to monitor in STL, coming full circle in CIN, and RF and 1B remain a problem in PIT.
Sep 12 2024 3:06am

Tools