HOUSTON -- The Astros avoided arbitration with reigning World Series Most Valuable Player George Springer, agreeing to a two-year deal with the All-Star center fielder on Monday. A source confirmed for MLB.com the deal is worth $24 million.General manager Jeff Luhnow announced the deal, though the terms were not disclosed.
Springer, who earned $3.9 million last year in his first year of arbitration, had asked the Astros for $10.5 million in 2018 in arbitration, and the team countered with $8.5 million. Springer, who will have four years of arbitration eligibility because of his Super Two status, will have one more year of arbitration eligibility in '20 before becoming a free agent.Springer, 28, made his first All-Star team in 2017 and finished the season with a .283 batting average, 34 home runs and 85 RBIs. All 34 of his homers came from the leadoff spot in the batting order, setting a franchise record, and his nine homers to lead off the first inning were the most in the Majors.After going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Game 1 of the World Series against the Dodgers, Springer rallied to hit .379 in the Series with five homers and seven RBIs. He hit the go-ahead two-run homer that helped the Astros to a comeback win in Game 2 and hit a two-run homer in Game 7 that put the Astros up, 5-0, in the second inning.The Astros have one remaining arbitration-eligible player. Starting pitcher Collin McHugh is asking for $5 million, and the Astros filed for $4.55 million. McHugh missed the first 3 1/2 months of last year with an arm injury before pitching well in the second half, going 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 12 starts.Brian McTaggart MLB.com
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