Reports: Royals sign C Maldonado to one-year deal

The Kansas City Royals have signed veteran catcher Martin Maldonado to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, according to multiple reports. The deal, which also includes $1.4 million in incentives, Ken Rosenthal reported, is pending a physical.

Maldonado, 32, replaces six-time All-Star Salvador Perez, who's out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Maldonado appeared in 119 games last season for the Anaheim Angels and Houston Astros, hitting .225 with nine home runs and 44 RBIs. Maldonado is best known for his work behind the plate, having earned a Gold Glove in 2017 with the Angels.

The Angels traded Maldonado to the Astros before the trade deadline last July. Perez underwent surgery on his throwing elbow on Wednesday. Perez injured his right arm during a workout on Feb. 27 and an MRI exam the following day diagnosed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament.

--Field Level Media