Report: Astros, Castro to have arbitration hearing Monday

The Houston Astros will reportedly have their arbitration hearing with catcher Jason Castro on Monday, according to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, though a decision isn't expected until Tuesday.

Heading into his final season of arbitration eligibility, Castro filed at $5.25 million for the upcoming campaign, while the Astros countered with a $5 million salary proposal. A three-person arbitration panel will hear arguments from both sides, and the 28-year-old will earn whichever figure they deem more appropriate (the arbitration process does not allow the parties to split the difference).

Castro, an All-Star in 2013, has struggled at the plate over the last two seasons, hitting .217/.284/.365 (81 OPS+) with a 30 percent strikeout rate since his breakout campaign. Last year, Castro managed a .648 OPS - his worst since his debut campaign - while battling a quad strain that limited him to 104 games.