Astros, Harris avoid arbitration with 2-year deal

The Houston Astros have avoided arbitration with one of their go-to relievers, signing right-hander Will Harris to a two-year deal.

The new contract will reportedly pay Harris $2.2 million in 2017 and $2.8 million in 2018, and comes with a club option for 2019 which will range between $5.5 million and $8.5 million depending on how many games Harris appears in, Kaplan adds.

When both sides exchanged salary figures earlier in the arbitration process, Harris requested an annual salary of $2.3 million while Houston countered at $1.95 million.

The Astros still have to negotiate new contracts with arbitration-eligible players Marwin Gonzalez and Collin McHugh.

Harris has been one of the Astros' most reliable relievers the past two seasons, combining for a 2.07 ERA and an impressive 0.97 WHIP in 134 games since 2015. After Ken Giles struggled in the first half of last season, Harris took over as the team's closer, registering 12 saves and 69 strikeouts - career highs in both categories - and earning his first All-Star selection on the way.