San Diego Padres Veteran Martin Maldonado Plans Retirement After 15-Year MLB Career

Martin Maldonado, a 15-year MLB veteran and Gold Glove-winning catcher, plans to retire after the 2025 season while currently playing for the San Diego Padres. Known primarily for his defensive skills and veteran presence, Maldonado has played for seven different teams, including notable stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros, where he was part of the 2022 World Series championship team. Though he has a career batting average of .203, his value comes from his leadership behind the plate and ability to handle pitching staffs. Maldonado intends to take a year off from baseball after retiring before pursuing a role in coaching, reflecting a common transition path for catchers. This season, he has played over half of the Padres' games despite being second in the catching depth chart and aims to contribute as the team pushes for postseason success. His career highlights include leading MLB in Fielding Run Value in 2017 and earning a Gold Glove award that same year.