The Houston Astros have had an active offseason, and it appears they aren’t finished yet in shaping their roster. While fans are hopeful that the team will re-sign star third baseman Alex Bregman, the Astros made a smaller move by re-signing veteran outfielder.
Top star split his time in 2024 between the New York Mets and Astros, serving as a versatile outfielder who can step in off the bench when needed. After a prolonged stint on the free-agent market, he rejoined the Astros, agreeing to a one-year, $1.2 million deal on Wednesday night.
“Outfielder Ben Gamel and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a one-year, $1.2 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Gamel’s deal is a major league contract that includes a $200,000 signing bonus, and the remaining $1 million is non-guaranteed,” reported Jeff Passan of ESPN on X, formerly Twitter.
Astros shore up outfield depth by re-signing Ben Gamel
Gamel appeared in just 20 games for Houston last season, batting .259 with one home run and four RBIs. As of now, Mauricio Dubon, Jake Meyers, and Chas McCormick are projected to be the starting outfielders, but with the recent trade of Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, the need for additional outfield depth led to the decision to re-sign Gamel.
While there’s a chance Gamel may not remain on the major league roster, his familiarity with the Astros and versatility in playing all three outfield positions gives him a strong chance to earn a spot. While this move may not be a game-changer for Houston, having solid depth is crucial for the long 162-game season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gamel contribute in some capacity as the season progresses.