*Photo from Bleacher Report*
The Houston Astros looked like they were in serious trouble. It appeared that mere hours after losing star CF George Springer to the Blue Jays, they were about to lose Michael Brantley to Toronto as well. Until they didn't. After news of a possible deal broke, later it was announced that Brantley would be re-signing with the Astros instead of going to Toronto.
Brantley's deal is for two years and is worth $32 million, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Brantley's deal hasn't been confirmed by the Astros, as it is pending a physical. Bringing Brantley back does help to soften the blow of losing Springer, as the Astros did need some help in the corner outfield market, and Brantley can both hit and play defense effectively.
In the Pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, Brantley hit .300 with an .840 OPS, hitting 5 homers and 22 RBI in 46 games for an Astros squad that just barely squeaked into the playoffs with a sub .500 record. In his 12 seasons as a major leaguer, Brantley has a .297 hitter with a .794 OPS, hitting 114 homers and 640 RBI in 1,245 games played between the Astros and Cleveland Indians, where he spent the first 10 years of his career.
After only starting 19 games in the outfield and 26 at DH in 2020, Brantley is expected to transition back to an outfield first role, as incumbent DH Yordan Alvarez is returning from surgery on both of his knees that kept him out for the strong majority of the season in 2020. Brantley's 4 all star game appearances are also sure to help Houston's playoff chances, especially without Springer in the fold.
Brantley and Kyle Tucker fill up the corner outfield spots in Houston, with the team still looking to add a center fielder to try and replace Springer. The Astros are also returning the entirety of their starting infield, and signed Ryne Stanek and Pedro Baez to help a bullpen that lost some parts in free agency.
Comments
Post a Comment