HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have signed free agent outfielder Michael Brantley to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As a result of the deal, Brantley will return to the Astros for a fifth season in 2023. In his previous four seasons with Houston (2019-22), Brantley has earned two All-Star selections (2019, 2021) while hitting a combined .306 in 379 games with an .832 OPS. His .306 average since 2019 ranks third in the American League in that span. His 9.09 plate appearances- per-strikeout ratio also ranks third-best in the AL since 2019. In 13 career World Series games, Brantley has hit .327 (17x52), and in 47 postseason games as an Astro, he has hit .314 (60x191).
In 2022, Brantley hit .288 in 64 games with 14 doubles, five home runs and 26 RBI before being placed on the Injured List on June 27 with a right shoulder injury. He eventually underwent an arthroscopic labral repair on his right shoulder and was lost for the season.
Throughout his Major League career (2009-22), Brantley has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Majors. In his career, he has posted a .298 career batting average, hitting .300 or better six times. He has also had an OPS of .801 or higher six times while tallying 35 or more doubles five times. Brantley is a five-time All-Star and earned a Silver Slugger Award in 2014.