Just before the midnight deadline to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players the Astros traded catcher Hank Conger to the Rays for cash considerations.
It was basically one step up from Houston simply non-tendering Conger, who hit well last season in a part-time role while struggling mightily controlling the running game. He posted a .759 OPS in 73 games thanks largely to 11 homers, but 42 of 43 stolen base attempts--yes, he threw out one runner in 43 tries--were successful against the 27-year-old former first-round draft pick.
Conger’s previous throw-out numbers were merely below average, as opposed to nearly non-existent, so the Rays are banking on him bouncing back a bit defensively while also providing good pop for a catcher.