The Astros kept busy, re-signing Gold Glove outfielder Michael Bourn to a $4.4 million dollar contract to avoid arbitration, according to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart.
Bourn is one of the most extreme players in baseball: a terrific baserunner and defender with almost zero power. Bourn earned a $2.2 million raise from his salary last season after putting up a .341 on-base percentage and leading the league in stolen bases again. He’ll be patrolling center field again for the Astros next season, likely hitting leadoff as well.
This leaves the Astros with just two arbitration-eligible players to agree to terms with: Hunter Pence and Wandy Rodiguez.