When the Atlanta Braves hired Martin Maldonado as a special assistant, it was a bit of a novelty. Yes, Maldonado famously played too long and the numbers certainly showed that, but that wasn't with the Braves and Maldonado did ultimately decide to retire as a player after the season. Having a guy around who played recently and who has loads of experience as a catcher and in the playoffs is super valuable, so that should be a no-brainer.
Well, not exactly. There was nothing from the initial reporting on the Maldonado hire that included any possibility that he could see any playing time. Again, he declared himself retired. However, Braves insider David O'Brien decided to open that door ever so slightly and in doing so, it created a nightmare scenario for the Braves.
While Maldonado can still play as a backup, the #Braves aren’t planning to use him in that capacity at this time. If they do, he is certainly someone Baldwin could learn from while Murphy continues to rehab. Again, not something they’re planning to do right now. https://t.co/PR2sLX2CAD
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 17, 2025
The Braves simply can not get fooled into letting Martin Maldonado play in the field
Here is the fundamental problem: Maldonado is incredibly well-respected for what he was as veteran big leaguer. He was a really good defender and one of the game's best game-callers at his peak and again, there is a reason why so many thought he was destined to be a MLB coach one day. The guy knows the game of baseball and Atlanta is probably better having him around as a resource. However, what he ISN'T anymore is a guy that can play baseball well.
Maldonado was basically never a particularly good hitter. In his 15 year career, Maldanado never hit above .234 and average .203 for his career. Not once did he hit more than 15 homers and he only got to double digit homers five times. His career .620 OPS isn't quite as bad as having Nick Allen out there, but it is treacherously close.
"But his defense is great?!" Well, yes and no. His defense WAS great. However, there is a pretty good reason why Maldonado only managed to get 308 plate appearances combined the last two seasons. His blocks above average, framing, and running game metrics have all cratered in recent years. Father Time is undefeated and as hard as it was apparently for Maldonado to admit it, his time as a big league player has run out.
If the Braves want to utilize Maldonado as a game-planner who feeds calls to Drake Baldwin and/or Sean Murphy, great. If Atlanta is hellbent on finding the ghost of a former big leaguer to keep around as an emergency catcher, go grab Brian McCann and throw him in a closet somewhere for a rainy day as that would at least be Braves-centric and entertaining. However, if they let Maldonado throw his pads on again, don't be surprised if he gets more playing time than he has any right to these days and Atlanta's on-field product will be lesser for it.