With a hearing scheduled for this afternoon, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros have avoided arbitration with designated hitter/outfielder Evan Gattis.
According to Drellich the two sides agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract that includes a $5.2 million team option or $100,000 buyout for 2017. Gattis will still be under team control for 2018, so the deal mostly just gives the Astros some cost certainty.
Gattis, whose status for Opening Day is in question following hernia surgery, requested $3.8 million for 2016 and the Astros countered at $3 million. He smacked 27 homers last season, but hit just .246 with an ugly .285 on-base percentage and 119/30 K/BB ratio in 153 games.
