Astros sign shortstop Jed Lowrie to three-year deal
The Houston Astros have brought back shortstop Jed Lowrie on a three-year deal, the team announced on Monday.
According to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, Lowrie's contract is worth $23 million over the three years, with a team option for 2018 that could bring it to $28 million. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET to introduce Lowrie. The team will also announce a corresponding move on Tuesday.
Lowrie, 30, was the Astros' shortstop in 2012, hitting a career-high 16 home runs while batting .244 with 42 RBI. He spent the last two seasons with the Oakland Athletics after Houston traded him in February 2013. In 136 games last season, Lowrie hit .249 with with six home runs and 50 RBI.
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Over seven years and 643 games, Lowrie is a career .261 hitter with 56 home runs and 284 RBI. He can also play third base, having spent 68 career games there.
Last week, the Astros signed relievers Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. The club also hired former Arizona Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch to replace Bo Porter, who was fired during the season.
Houston finished 70-92 last season, snapping a streak of three years with at least 100 losses and finishing last in their division.
- Mike Fiammetta
