Cubs trade Martin Maldonado to Astros for Tony Kemp

The Cubs traded for Martin Maldonado 16 days ago. And now:

Just two days ago, I wrote this:

In the case of this particular rumor, though, the Cubs could possibly be interested in infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp, who was designated for assignment by the Astros last Thursday. The DFA was, per MLB Trade Rumors, likely made because Kemp was out of options.

Kemp was a reasonably productive player for the Astros last season, not so much this year. If the Cubs can get the 2018 production out of Kemp, he can be useful. He plays second base and all three outfield positions and could wind up getting some starts at 2B.

This has to be one of the shortest and least impactful tenures of anyone as a Chicago Cub. In the 16 days, Maldonado started four games for the Cubs and went 0-for-11 at the plate. He caught one of two runners attempting to steal and the Cubs went 2-2 in the four games.

So, it appears that for the remainder of the season the Cubs will go with two catchers, which worked reasonably well until Willson Contreras went briefly on the injured list.

For Maldonado, it’s a reuniting with the team he was traded to a little more than a year ago.