Tigers hire former Astros leader with AJ Hinch ties to fill long-vacant coaching position

The Tigers hired former Astros catcher and AJ Hinch player to fill their quality control coaching position.

By Katrina Stebbins · Motor City Bengals

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 7:42 PM

Key Things to Know

The Detroit Tigers are hiring former MLB catcher Martín Maldonado as their new quality control coach.
Maldonado previously played under current Tigers manager AJ Hinch during stints with the Houston Astros.
The quality control coach position was vacant after Billy Boyer moved to third base duties.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Detroit Tigers are hiring former major league catcher Martín Maldonado as their new quality control coach, according to reports from The Athletic. Maldonado previously played under Tigers manager AJ Hinch during his tenure with the Houston Astros in 2018 and 2019. The position had been vacant since Billy Boyer transitioned to third base coach following Joey Cora's mid-season dismissal.

Maldonado retired from playing at the end of the 2025 season following a 15-year career across seven MLB clubs. Motor City Bengals notes that Maldonado is expected to serve as a mentor for Detroit catchers Dillon Dingler and Eduardo Valencia.

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Tigers hire former Astros leader with AJ Hinch ties to fill long-vacant coaching position

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