The San Diego Padres have re-signed catcher Martin Maldonado to a minor league deal, per Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The deal became official on Aug. 31, meaning Maldonado is eligible to be on the postseason roster as an injury replacement for either Freddy Fermin or Elias Diaz.
Maldonado, a 15-year Major League veteran, was designated for assignment and then released by San Diego earlier last month. He’ll report to the Padres’ Arizona complex in Peoria via Sanders.
Can confirm Martin Maldonado has been signed by the #Padres to a minor league deal and is ramping up in Arizona as an option in the event of injury. https://t.co/GoGYHZDhTw
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) September 2, 2025
Maldonado back to Padres
With the Padres a near lock to make the postseason, Maldonado gives San Diego more depth at catcher this October. If he needs to step in, Maldonado has plenty of postseason experience—he made 11 starts at catcher during the Houston Astros’ 2022 World Series run.
San Diego still has Luis Campusano on the 40-man roster, but it didn’t recall him with the extra active roster spot that opened up on Sept. 1. They instead held on to a pair of utility infielders, Will Wagner and Mason McCoy.
Here’s how Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors analyzes the move:
“Maldonado is at least familiar with San Diego’s pitching staff if he’s pressed into action. His offensive shortcomings are well known, and he was hitting .204/.245/.327 in 161 plate appearances this year.”
But despite Maldonado’s weaknesses—he also ranks second in MLB with eight passed balls—Franco writes that the Padres still seem to prefer him as their third option at catcher over Campusano.
San Diego (76-62) continues its series vs. the Baltimore Orioles (62-76) tonight at Petco Park.