Astros Make Roster Decision Amid MLB Free Agency
The Houston Astros have made their first move since the start of February. The American League West club announced on Wednesday night that it has re-signed outfielder Ben Gamel to a one-year contract. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the deal with $1.2 million (h/t MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart).
The 32-year-old Gamel played 18 games with the New York Mets in the 2024 MLB regular season before being designated for assignment. The Astros claimed Gamel off waivers, but a fractured tibia forced him to miss the remainder of the year after just 20 games with Houston. In his 2024 stint with the Astros, Gamel hit .259/.377/.362 with a home run to go with four RBIs and 11 walks across 69 plate appearances.
Gamel has been in the big leagues since 2016 and has played for eight different clubs. He played three seasons with the Seattle Mariners and two each with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Gamel isn’t much of a power-hitter, as evidenced by his career .382 slugging percentage. He is also a high-strikeout batter (24.6 percent strikeout rate). But at least one positive about Gamel is his patience. He has a career 10.5 percent walk rate. Dating back to 2023, Gamel has a 15.8 percent walk rate. Before re-signing Gamel, the Astros ended January by trading reliever Ryan Pressly and cash to the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Juan Bello.
