The Houston Astros could very well be on the verge of upgrading their outfield position.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Houston is nearing a two-year deal with three-time All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley. The total value of the deal is said to be near $32 million.
#Astros closing in on free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, sources tell The Athletic. Rival executives expect deal to be in two-year, $32M range.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 17, 2018
Brantley, 31, has earned an All-Star appearance in each of the past two seasons. This past year saw the veteran hit .309 with 17 homers, 76 RBI and a robust .364 on-base percentage. That came on the heels of Brantley playing a combined 101 games in 2016 and 2017.
Having played solely in left field for the Cleveland Indians last season, he’ll likely take over the starting job from current free agent Marwin Gonzalez.
A lefty, Brantley hit .321 with a .380 on-base percentage against right-handed pitching last season. He’ll be a huge upgrade for Houston from that perspective.