The Astros didn’t stop at Clint Barmes, as social media guru Alyson Footer tweeted that the Astros also came to terms with infielder Jeff Keppinger on a deal that will pay him $2.3 million.
Keppinger, who started at second base last year, hit .288 with six homers and 59 RBI, to go along with a .351 on-base percentage. The Astros signed Bill Hall to take over his starting role, so Keppinger will be a utility infielder this year for as long as he’s with the club.
Trade rumors have connected Keppinger to the Yankees, but his foot injury put those talks on the backburner. The Astros will likely try to shop him as soon as he’s healthy, as they have correctly identified that they are not the kind of team that can afford to carry a $2.3 million utility infielder.