Astros agree to 1-year deal with Colby Rasmus
One day after trading Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs, the Houston Astros acquired his replacement.
Colby Rasmus agreed to a one-year deal with the Astros on Tuesday that's reportedly worth $8 million, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
Rasmus spent the last three-plus seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and is coming off the worst statistical season of his six-year career. In 104 games, he slashed .225/.287/.448 with 18 home runs and 124 strikeouts.
He missed 68 games with oblique and hamstring injuries over the past two seasons and claimed that he's eager to get off the artificial turf at Rogers Centre. Rasmus also cited his desire to sign with a team closer to his home in Alabama as to why the Astros were a fit.
"I play hard and I would like to get back on some grass," Rasmus told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "The turf in Toronto was pretty rough playing up there. Being in this division to be able to stay in some [warmer] climates and my brother is playing with the Angels and to be able to see him on some trips is pretty cool.
"To be in Texas and in the south - some people think that's crazy - but it would be a beautiful thing to be close to home. I live nine hours away and all those things would help me be a better ballplayer and be relaxed and comfortable, and some of the guys on the team I know are great guys who I've played against."
The 28-year-old has shown flashes over his career of why he was a first-round pick, but he's never been able to put it all together consistently. Rasmus plays Gold Glove-caliber defense and has plenty of pop from the left side of the plate - hitting 63 home runs and 68 doubles in 373 games over the past three seasons - though is prone to striking out.
Rasmus had been heavily linked to the Baltimore Orioles earlier in the month, but talks cooled after he reportedly requested a one-year deal worth around $7 million.
The acquisition of Rasmus likely keeps George Springer in right field, while Evan Gattis could start in left.
In a corresponding move, the Astros designated catcher Carlos Corporan for assignment to create a spot for Rasmus on the 40-man roster.