HOUSTON – Carlos Beltran and the Houston Astros have finalized a $16 million, one-year contract.
Beltran was introduced Monday at Minute Maid Park.
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During the introduction, Beltran said it wasn't a very hard decision to return to Houston and he is looking forward to working with the younger guys. He believes the team is very solid and has a good chance to with a championship.
He said his memories from Houston were amazing and he also said he told his agent in 2004 that he wanted to sign a contract with Houston (he was a free agent after the 2004 season), but the Astros' ownership at the time wouldn't agree on a no-trade clause in his contract. He said at that point in his career it was a deal-breaker and he was forced to move on.
Beltran also expressed his pleasure with the Astros other offseason moves.
The Astros have been busy boosting their lineup since missing the playoffs, trading for catcher Brian McCann and adding free-agent outfielder Josh Reddick.
McCann and Beltran were teammates with the New York Yankees.
Beltran turns 40 in April. He hit a combined .295 with 29 home runs and 93 RBIs last season for the New York Yankees and Texas. The switch-hitter split his time as a designated hitter and right fielder, playing 151 games.
Beltran is a nine-time All-Star and has hit .323 with 16 homers and 41 RBIs in 55 postseason games. He spent the last half of the 2004 season with the Astros and hit a postseason record-tying eight home runs.
In 19 seasons, Beltran is a career .281 hitter with 421 home runs and 1,536 RBIs with the Royals, Astros, Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees and Rangers.