Chicago Cubs: Understanding the Maldonado Trade
The Chicago Cubs promptly sought after a replacement after losing Willson Contreras to injury. However, did the Cubs address the team’s real problem?
On Monday, the Chicago Cubs received catcher Martin Maldonado in exchange for southpaw Mike Montgomery. This came as a surprise to many long-time fans because Montgomery was actually the reliever to secure the Cubs in the 2016 World Series.
What were they thinking by trading him?
Well, in the Cubs defense, they were looking for a replacement for catcher Willson Contreras who just hit the injured list with a hurt foot. Even though Contreras should not be out for more than 10 days.
It also turns out, Montgomery reiterated in a recent interview that it was his idea to be traded in the first place. He says “From a career perspective, looking at how it was taking shape, I thought I was best suited to be a starter.”
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So, the Cubs didn’t seem to be helping him further his career and he wanted out which is respectable. He started a lot in 2018 but because of other starting pitchers that were better, he didn’t have the chance to start much this season.
It also didn’t help that he started this year on the injured list with a hurt shoulder.
Some fans are mad that the team decided to get another catcher instead of more pitching. They have three great pitchers so I understand the urgency to trade for a catcher. All I can say is that this trade season has been absolutely crazy.
Montgomery was actually chosen in the 2008 draft by the Kansas City Royals so it looks like things came full circle. Despite this trade, Maldonado becomes a free agent after this season.
Where do you think he should go next? Or should he stay put with the Chicago Cubs?
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Regardless of his ERA this season, Cubs fans are going to miss Montgomery but will hopefully happily welcome Maldonado with open arms.