HOUSTON -- The Astros agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.45 million with pitcher Mike Fiers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, a source told MLB.com. That figure is the midpoint between what Fiers had filed ($3.9 million) and what the Astros offered ($3 million). The team has not confirmed the contract.
By striking a deal with Fiers, the Astros have three remaining arbitration-eligible players unsigned: starting pitcher Collin McHugh, relief pitcher Will Harris and utility player Marwin Gonzalez. Last week, the Astros reached deals with pitcher Dallas Keuchel ($9.15 million), outfielder George Springer ($3.9 million) and Jake Marisnick ($1.1 million) to avoid arbitration.
Fiers went 11-8 with a 4.48 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) for the Astros last year, allowing 187 hits and striking out 134 in 168 2/3 innings. He'll compete for a spot in the rotation this year with newcomer Charlie Morton, Joe Musgrove and Brad Peacock.
Gonzalez is asking for $4.2 million, and the Astros filed for $3.25 million; Harris is seeking $2.3 million, and the team filed for $1.95 million; and McHugh is asking for $3.85 million, and the team filed for $3.35 million.
If the players and the teams can't come to terms by the end of the month, they will head to a hearing in which a three-person arbitration panel will side with either the player or the team to determine a salary in 2017. The Astros have had one case go to arbitration since 2011, coming last year when Jason Castro lost his case and was paid $5 million instead of the $5.25 million he desired.