HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have been linked to some of the biggest names expected to be available at the trade deadline and have made their first deal.
The team announced the acquisition of catcher Martín Maldonado from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp.
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Maldonado, 32, returns to the Astros after splitting time this season with the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, including 74 starts behind the plate.
This will be Maldonado's second stint in Houston, as the Astros also acquired him in July last season. He ended up playing in 41 games for the 2018 Astros and made six postseason starts out of the Astros' eight games played.
I’m Back!!
— Machete Maldonado (@Machete1224) July 31, 2019
Known for his defensive ability, the 2017 American League Gold Glove winner has posted eight defensive runs saved in 2019, which ties as the second-best mark among all qualified Major League catchers.
Kemp, 27, was designated for assignment Friday after hitting .227 with six doubles, seven home runs and 17 RBI in 66 games for the Astros this season.
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Astros in 2013, Kemp played parts of four seasons (2016-19) with Houston, appearing in 239 games.
Machete is back in Houston!
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 31, 2019
📝 https://t.co/8vhOnQ1hew pic.twitter.com/ekPCdIljVn
Here are five things to know about Maldonado:
Second stint with Astros
Maldonado was traded to the Astros in 2018 for pitching prospect Patrick Sandoval. Maldonado played in 41 games with Houston last season where he batted .241 with four homers.
The Machete
Maldonado’s nickname is “Machete” because he cuts down many runners with his powerful arm. This season, he has thrown out 33% of base runners.
Five teams in eight seasons
He started his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. He played there from 2011-2016. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. He was then traded to the Astros on July 26, 2018. He became a free agent in October. In March 2019, He signed a one-year $2.5 million deal with the Kansas City Royals. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs on July 15, 2019, and traded to the Astros on July 31.
Father’s Day uniform
On Father’s Day, he wore a blue clip-on tie on his chest protector. The father of a 1-year-old daughter said he just wanted to honor all fathers.
Caught entire 17-inning game
With the Brewers in 2015, Maldonado caught an entire 17-inning game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game lasted five hours and 49 minutes. Maldonado ended-up hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 17th inning to give Milwaukee the 7-6 win.