(SportsRadio 610) -- Catcher Martin Maldonado will return to the Astros next season on a one-year deal after agreeing to an extension with the team, according to media reports.
The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday Maldonado and the Astros agreed on a one-year extension, which includes a vesting option for 2023.
Last season, Maldonado led Major League Baseball in starts (46) and innings played behind the plate (392). He was also a presence in the batter's box, leading the Astros with 27 walks and was second among all American League catchers with 24 RBI.
The 34-year-old from Puerto Rico has struggled offensively to start this season, batting just .094 through the first 10 games.
Astros manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday Maldonado, who is primarily in the lineup for defense, is not seeing the ball well. Baker expects his confidence will grow as the season progresses.
"You know he's not going to struggle forever," Baker said. "But unless you play a guy, then he'll never get out of his struggles."
Maldonado's two-year, $7 million deal was set to expire after this season.
This agreement keeps Maldonado on the team at least through 2022, along with fellow catcher Jason Castro.
