Astros agree to terms on 3-year deal with Jed Lowrie
The Houston Astros agreed to a three-year contract with free-agent infielder Jed Lowrie, the team announced Monday.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the deal is worth $23 million, with a fourth year option that could push the total value to $28 million.
Jed Lowrie breakdown: $8M in '15, $7.5M in '16, $6.5M in '17. $6M option in '18/$1M buyout. #astros
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 15, 2014
The deal reunites Lowrie with the team he spent the 2012 season with. Though, the production the Astros received that year isn't likely to be the same as what they'll be getting in 2015.
| Year (team) | GP | HR | AVG/OBP/SLG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (Oak) | 136 | 6 | .249/.321/.355 |
| 2013 (Oak) | 154 | 15 | .290/.344/.446 |
| 2011 (Hou) | 97 | 16 | .244/.331/.438 |
Lowrie's power numbers took a serious dive last season, as he posted his lowest slugging percentage over the last five seasons. The 30-year-old also missed 16 games with a fractured left index finger.
While the Astros will hope that Lowrie re-establishes his power at more hitter friendly Minute Maid Park, he also addresses a major need on the left side of the infield. Lowrie appeared exclusively as a shortstop last season, but has seen time at third and second base over the last four seasons.
The 30-year-old did not receive a qualifying offer from the Oakland Athletics, so the Astros will not have to surrender a draft pick as compensation for the signing.