The Astros and infielder Marwin Gonzalez have avoided arbitration and settled on a contract worth $3.725 million for 2017, with a $5.125 million club option for '18, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman on Wednesday. The club has not confirmed the report.
Gonzalez had been slated for an arbitration hearing on Feb. 14, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. Gonzalez had filed for $4.2 million, with the Astros countering at $3.25 million. Gonzalez's salary for 2017 is exactly at the midpoint of where the two sides filed.
The 27-year-old switch-hitter played in 141 games for Houston last season, spending time at every infield position as well as left field and center field. Gonzalez hit .254/.293/.401 with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
If the Astros decline to pick up Gonzalez's 2018 option, he would be arbitration-eligible again next offseason. He could become a free agent in 2019.
David Adler