Anthony Omar Maldonado Bio
Anthony Omar Maldonado is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins and Athletics organizations. Born on February 6, 1998, Maldonado developed his skills playing college baseball at Bethune–Cookman University before being selected by the Miami Marlins in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut in April 2024 and has represented Puerto Rico on the international stage at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His professional career has spanned multiple organizations, including his most recent stint with the Houston Astros minor league system.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Omar Maldonado was born on February 6, 1998, in the United States. Growing up with a passion for baseball, he pursued his dreams at the collegiate level, choosing to continue his athletic and academic career at Bethune–Cookman University. The university, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, has a strong tradition of developing baseball talent and has produced numerous professional players over the years. His time at Bethune–Cookman provided him with the foundation necessary to transition into professional baseball.
Path to Professional Baseball
Maldonado’s talent and performance at Bethune–Cookman University caught the attention of major league scouts. His skills on the mound and his dedication to the sport led to his selection in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. The Miami Marlins chose Maldonado in the 11th round, selecting him with the 321st overall pick. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey, as he joined the Marlins organization with the goal of climbing the minor league ladder toward the ultimate goal of reaching the major leagues.
Anthony Omar Maldonado Career
Minor League Development (2019–2023)
Following his selection in the 2019 draft, Maldonado reported to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Marlins for his professional debut. He made an immediate impact, posting an impressive 1.59 earned run average across 10 appearances. The 2020 season presented challenges as the minor league campaign was canceled nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing Maldonado from game action that year. He returned to the mound in 2021, demonstrating versatility by appearing across four different levels within the Marlins system.
In 2021, Maldonado split his season between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Marlins, Single-A Jupiter Hammerheads, High-A Beloit Snappers, and Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The experience of adjusting to different competition levels proved valuable for his development. Across 21 relief appearances with the four affiliates, he compiled a 4.30 ERA while recording 34 strikeouts over 29 and one-third innings pitched. The following year, Maldonado continued his progression, earning promotions to higher levels of the minor leagues.
The 2022 season saw Maldonado split time between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. In 42 relief appearances spanning both affiliates, he emerged as a reliable bullpen option, recording a 3.03 ERA with an impressive 86 strikeouts. His performance demonstrated his ability to retire batters at advanced levels of competition. By 2023, he had established himself as a legitimate major league prospect with Jacksonville, where he delivered his most dominant professional season to that point.
During the 2023 campaign with Jacksonville, Maldonado served primarily as the team’s closer, converting saves while maintaining exceptional effectiveness. In 34 relief outings for the Jumbo Shrimp, he posted a 7-3 record with a remarkable 1.76 ERA, accumulating 71 strikeouts and converting 9 save opportunities. His dominant performance earned him recognition within the organization and prompted the Marlins to add him to their 40-man roster on November 14, 2023, thereby protecting him from exposure in the Rule 5 draft.
Miami Marlins Breakthrough (2024)
Maldonado began the 2024 season with Triple-A Jacksonville, continuing to refine his craft in preparation for a potential major league opportunity. His patience paid off on April 26, 2024, when he received the call to join the Miami Marlins for the first time. His promotion came under dramatic circumstances, as he was named the starting pitcher for that night’s game after starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo was scratched due to injury. This marked the culmination of his journey from the draft day in 2019 to the major league level.
In 16 games during his rookie campaign with the Marlins, Maldonado compiled a 1-1 record with a 5.68 earned run average. He recorded 11 strikeouts across 19 innings pitched while working primarily as a reliever. His debut season provided invaluable experience at the highest level of professional baseball, exposing him to elite competition and the demands of major league hitters. The exposure would prove beneficial for his continued development despite the challenges of adjusting to big league hitting.
Athletics Era (2025)
Following his rookie season with Miami, Maldonado’s journey continued with a change of organizations. On November 4, 2024, he was claimed off waivers by the Athletics, joining a new club for the 2025 season. He began the year with the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, where he showcased improved performance in limited action. In nine appearances for Las Vegas, he recorded a stellar 0.73 ERA with 17 strikeouts and one save across 12 and one-third innings pitched.
His strong minor league performance earned him another opportunity at the major league level. On May 16, 2025, the Athletics selected Maldonado’s contract, adding him to their active roster. However, his stint with the major league club proved challenging as he struggled to replicate his minor league success. In six appearances for Oakland, he posted a 12.00 ERA with seven strikeouts over six innings of work. On November 5, 2025, the Athletics removed him from their 40-man roster and sent him outright to Las Vegas. Maldonado subsequently rejected the assignment and elected free agency, opening a new chapter in his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Maldonado has demonstrated versatility throughout his professional career, adapting to various roles within bullpen staff. His experience spans from serving as a starting pitcher during his minor league career to excelling in late-inning relief situations, including closing duties with Jacksonville where he converted nine saves in 2023. His ability to work across multiple innings and roles has provided him with valuable experience handling different game situations at both the minor and major league levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Maldonado’s career came on April 26, 2024, when he received his first major league call-up. Being named the starting pitcher for that night’s game after an injury to the scheduled starter represented a memorable introduction to MLB competition. Additionally, his selection to represent Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic provided him with invaluable international experience playing for his heritage against the world’s best national teams.
Anthony Omar Maldonado Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2019 through the 2025 season, Anthony Maldonado has accumulated wins across multiple levels of minor league baseball while also appearing in major league competition. His career has included successful stretches in the minor leagues, particularly during his 2023 season with Jacksonville where he posted a 7-3 record in Triple-A action. His major league record stands at 1-1 across his time with the Marlins and Athletics organizations.
Major League Baseball Highlights
At the major league level, Maldonado appeared in a combined 22 games across his time with the Miami Marlins in 2024 and the Athletics in 2025. His rookie season with Miami saw him compile a 1-1 record with a 5.68 ERA in 16 relief appearances. Through the 2025 season, his career MLB statistics include a 1-1 win-loss record with a 7.20 earned run average and 18 total strikeouts. His brief stint with Oakland in 2025 provided additional major league experience despite the challenges he faced adjusting to American League competition.
Minor League Highlights
Maldonado’s most productive minor league season came in 2023 with Triple-A Jacksonville, where he earned seven wins while posting a stellar 1.76 ERA in 34 appearances. He recorded 71 strikeouts and converted nine saves that season, establishing himself as a reliable option at the highest minor league level. His 2022 campaign with Pensacola and Jacksonville also demonstrated his ability to miss bats, as he accumulated 86 strikeouts in 42 relief appearances.
| Level | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (Career) | 1 | 1 | 7.20 | 18 |
| Triple-A Jacksonville (2023) | 7 | 3 | 1.76 | 71 |
International Career
Beyond his club career, Anthony Maldonado has represented his heritage on the international baseball stage. He played for the Puerto Rico national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The tournament featured the top national teams from around the world competing in high-stakes competition. Representing Puerto Rico provided Maldonado with valuable experience playing in high-pressure international games while representing his country’s baseball traditions.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition and challenges for Maldonado following his rookie campaign. After beginning the year with Triple-A Las Vegas, he earned a recall to the major leagues in May when the Athletics selected his contract. His time with the Athletics featured struggles as he adjusted to the American League and faced big league hitters. Despite posting a 12.00 ERA in six appearances, he continued to work on his craft and approach.
The season concluded with Maldonado’s departure from the Athletics organization. After being removed from the 40-man roster in November, he elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to the minor leagues. This decision opened opportunities for him to sign with a new organization. Later in November 2025, he signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros, giving him a chance to continue his professional career with a new club and compete for another opportunity at the major league level.