Although the Houston Astros advanced to the American League Championship Series for the seventh-straight year, the 2023 season was not exactly business as usual. The club entered the final stretch of September with its playoff aspirations hanging in the balance. Both the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners could have realistically claimed the AL West crown before the Astros erupted.

They have been through scares and regular season slumps in the past but still manage to vie for a World Series title year after year. Talent, leadership, and of course consistency are major reasons why one of the most polarizing franchises in baseball simply will not fade into obscurity. There could be key roster changes on the horizon, however, starting this offseason.

Could a key Astros player leave in free agency?

“Free-agent C Martin Maldonado, who has been a key piece of the Astros’ success for the past four-plus seasons, is already drawing interest from four-five teams, per sources,” MLB.com's Mark Feinsand posted on X.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Astros News
Houston Astros left fielder Jacob Melton (31) hits a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park.
Astros’ rookie makes bonkers catch in 5th MLB gameYasmin Edañol ·
May 10, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) walks off the mound after a pitching change during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr getting extra rest draws Joe Espada explanationMike Gianakos ·
Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a RBI sacrifice against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning at Daikin Park.
1 untouchable Astros player ahead of trade deadlineZachary Howell ·
Houston Astros pitcher Christian Javier (53) pitches in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium.
Astros’ Cristian Javier injury update leaves plenty to be desiredZachary Howell ·
Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.
Astros’ Lance McCullers reacts to beating Paul Skenes for 1st win since 2022Yasmin Edañol ·
Astros rumors: Jeff Passan lays trade deadline 'fate' at feet of injured star, Yordan Alvarez
Jeff Passan lays trade deadline ‘fate’ at feet of injured Astros starChris Spiering ·

Although Houston is reportedly willing to retain Maldonado's services, a split might be inevitable. The former champion and Gold Glove catcher is highly valued for his elite ability to communicate with pitchers, so it is no surprise that he is quickly garnering interest on the open market. Maldonado was a favorite of newly-retired manager Dusty Baker, but Houston's next skipper might instead prefer young slugger Yainer Diaz.

Diaz batted .282 and blasted 23 home runs in 104 games in his rookie 2023 campaign and posted a significantly higher WAR than the offensively-challenged Maldonado. The veteran does have the edge in defense but is not nearly as sharp as many fans might believe. Despite finding some success in throwing out batters on stolen base attempts, his framing and strike zone rate both ranked near the bottom in baseball, per Baseball Savant.

If there are multiple suitors for the Puerto Rican catcher, then the Astros may have no choice but to wish Martin Maldonado the best of luck on his future endeavors. Regardless, fans will long remember his vital contributions to one of the sport's most enduring powerhouses.