Cubs Already Looking to Flip Martin Maldonado Despite Just Recently Acquiring Him From Royals
By Karl Rasmussen
The Chicago Cubs only just brought Martin Maldonado in from the Kansas City Royals, but he may not want to unpack his bags just yet.
According to reports, the Cubs are looking to flip the veteran backstop again ahead of the trade deadline.
Cubs Shopping Martin Maldonado https://t.co/fw3VkOjK81 pic.twitter.com/KbTJ136O9h
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 29, 2019
Maldonado has only been a member of the Cubs for two weeks, but they're already looking to send him on his way to what would be his third team this year, and his fifth since 2018.
He's played in 78 games this season, slashing just .217/.285/.349 with 6 home runs and 17 RBI. He's yet to record a hit in four games and 13 plate appearances for the Cubs.
Would not be a shock to see Martin Maldonado on the move again before the deadline. Has only played in four games since being traded to the Cubs and Willson Contreras just returned from the Injured List.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 28, 2019
With Willson Contreras returning to the lineup, the Cubs no longer require Maldonado for cover, and that could result in them selling him.
While he doesn't offer much of a presence at the plate, he won a Gold Glove award as recently as 2017 with the Angels, and could be a useful addition for a team looking for some backstop depth.