When the Atlanta Braves hired Martin Maldonado as a special assistant, it was a bit of a novelty. Yes, Maldonado famously played too long and the numbers certainly showed that, but that wasn't with the Braves and Maldonado did ultimately decide to retire as a player after the season. Having a guy around who played recently and who has loads of experience as a catcher and in the playoffs is super valuable, so that should be a no-brainer.
Well, not exactly. There was nothing from the initial reporting on the Maldonado hire that included any possibility that he could see any playing time.