One day after trading center fielder Dexter Fowler to the Cubs, the Astros signed a possible free agent replacement. Houston agreed to terms Tuesday afternoon with outfielder Colby Rasmus, signing him to a one-year contract.
Colby Rasmus’ deal is one year at $8 million, source says. No club or player options included.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 20, 2015
The 28-year-old was really the only notable remaining free agent outfielder. Last year with the Blue Jays, Rasmus hit .225 with a .735 OPS, 21 doubles, 18 home runs and 40 RBI. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, which is likely one reason why Rasmus signed a one-year deal. With a good season, he could boost his value and try the open market again next winter.
Rasmus has played center field during his entire six-year MLB career, but it’s not a certainty that he’ll play that position in Houston. Obviously, there’s an opening in center with Fowler being traded. But the Astros are considering the possibility of moving George Springer from right field to center, where he played 247 games in the minors. Rasmus also cost Toronto nine runs defensively, according to advanced metrics, so moving him to right could be a good decision.
Jake Marisnick — acquired when Jarrod Cosart was traded to the Marlins — was presumably the favorite to start in center, but with Rasmus now signed, he’ll likely begin the season with Triple-A Fresno.
To make room for Rasmus on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated catcher Carlos Corporan for assignment. This has the additional benefit of clearing up a logjam at catcher with Jason Castro and Hank Conger, who the Astros picked up in November.
Houston hasn’t been able to trade Corporan during the offseason, but now has 10 days to try and make a deal or release him. Recently, the Rangers talked to the Astros about a trade, but now might be inclined to wait for Corporan to be released. That is, unless Corporan decides to go to the minors, but that seems unlikely.
