Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) is seen with orange hair before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Houston.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Martin Maldonado #15 of Team Puerto Rico drives in a run against Team Nicaraga during their game at loanDepot park on March 11, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Al Bello/Getty Images ...

While fans may have grown frustrated with Martin Maldonado's struggling bat in 2023, the catcher served as an emotional leader and steady presence in the Astros clubhouse during his tenure in Houston.

The Astros value Maldonado so much that in April they re-signed him to a $5 million contract extension through 2022 with a club option for 2023, when he would turn 37.