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Houston Astros add Luke Gregerson as closer - ESPN
The Houston Astros have agreed to a three-year, $18.5 million contract with Luke Gregerson sources told ESPN's Buster Olney, confirming multiple reports.
Gregerson is expected to take over as the team's closer in 2015.
Gregerson's total compensation from the Astros can increase to $21 million if he is the team's closer, a baseball source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
His agreement comes after the Astros reportedly made attempts to sign both David Robertson and Andrew Miller this offseason to take over their closer's role. Robertson ended up agreeing to a four-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, while Miller reached a four-year contract with the New York Yankees.
Veteran Chad Qualls was the Astros' closer in 2014, saving 19 games and finishing the season with a 1-5 record and a 3.33 ERA. Qualls, who is under contract with the Astros for the 2015 season, likely will move to a setup role.
Gregerson, a 30-year-old right-hander, was 5-5 with three saves and a 2.12 ERA last season for the Oakland Athletics, who acquired him from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith after the 2013 season.
In six seasons with the Padres and A's, he is 22-27 with a 2.75 ERA.
Gregerson was paid $5,065,000 last season.
Gregerson is expected to take over as the team's closer in 2015.
Gregerson's total compensation from the Astros can increase to $21 million if he is the team's closer, a baseball source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
His agreement comes after the Astros reportedly made attempts to sign both David Robertson and Andrew Miller this offseason to take over their closer's role. Robertson ended up agreeing to a four-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, while Miller reached a four-year contract with the New York Yankees.
Veteran Chad Qualls was the Astros' closer in 2014, saving 19 games and finishing the season with a 1-5 record and a 3.33 ERA. Qualls, who is under contract with the Astros for the 2015 season, likely will move to a setup role.
Gregerson, a 30-year-old right-hander, was 5-5 with three saves and a 2.12 ERA last season for the Oakland Athletics, who acquired him from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith after the 2013 season.
In six seasons with the Padres and A's, he is 22-27 with a 2.75 ERA.
Gregerson was paid $5,065,000 last season.