HOUSTON – The World Series champion Houston Astros have bolstered their bullpen by signing free agent relief pitcher Hector Rondon to a two-year deal.
The Astros are making good on their commitment to re-shape their bullpen this offseason after the team signed righty reliever Joe Smith Thursday.
Rondon has spent each of his five major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs and has posted a career ERA of 3.22.
He's racked up 303 strikeouts in 296.1 career innings.
Rondon was the Cubs closer in 2015 and enjoyed his finest season with 30 saves and a 1.67 ERA in 72 appearances.
Last season was a bit of a struggle for Rondon with a 4.24 ERA and WHIP of 1.22, though he did post a career-best 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
He was a member of the Cubs' 2106 World Series championship team.
The Astros lost reliever Luke Gregerson to free agency this offseason as he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and still anticipate targeting pitching help as the offseason continues.