Houston Astros: What The Shiny, New Will Harris Deal Means
The Houston Astros are just a few weeks away from commencing their Spring Training schedule at their brand-new facility in the Sunshine State.
The Houston Astros are just a few weeks away from commencing their Spring Training schedule at their brand-new facility in the Sunshine State.
With things so close — the franchise still has some loose ends to tie up with the existing contracts of a few mainstays on this roster.
Although it has been quite a resounding off season in terms of landing Josh Reddick and Brian McCann as free agents, things have been relatively drama-free with guys that are already here.
Dallas Keuchel, George Springer and Mike Fiers have all inked deals over the past few weeks and you can add another familiar to the list.
Who am I talking about?
I’m talking about Will Harris, one of our strongest arms out the bullpen.
Here are the terms of his new deal as per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com:
Source: Will Harris gets a two-year, $5 million deal from Astros to avoid arbitration, with option for 2019. He was an All-Star last year
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 4, 2017
This deal comes as a slight surprise considering the amount the Harris submitted for and what the Houston Astros had filed.
Last month, Harris had submitted his request of a salary of $2.3 million for next season while the Houston Astros filed at $1.95 million.
This deal not only gives Harris $200K per year more than he wanted but he now has two years locked in, making him eligible for arbitration again in 2019.
This was Harris’ first-year of arb so the fact that a deal was made is a win-win for both parties.
Believe me, if Harris continues to sizzle, that option will be picked up.
Here’s what Harris had to say about the deal that was reached via McTaggart:
Will Harris on 2-year deal: "My family and I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to play at least the next two seasons in Houston."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 4, 2017
Despite some minor struggles back in 2015, Harris has been relatively solid from a wide-range of positioning from setup man to closer.
When his bell was rung, he answered the call of duty and did it such a wonderful job doing so.
His first nod to the All-Star roster certainly attributes to the hard work that he has put in to be among the best.
If this was a deal to not to penny-pinch on, this was the one because it’s all about giving the man what he wants.
I think we’d all love a $2 million per year pay bump and that’s exactly what he received.
He made $525,500 last season.
Signing Harris to this deal offers him some security and ensures that we have a steady, talented arm in the bullpen for a bit longer.
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Now that this deal is done, two more Astros — Marwin Gonzalez and Collin McHugh — have yet to solidify their deals.
If deals aren’t reached, McHugh would be first to arbitrate followed by Gonzalez.
Their dates are Feb. 10 and Feb. 14 — respectively — hopefully MarGo gets some love on his Valentine’s Day court appearance.
Harris, 32, possesses a 2.07 ERA, a stellar 0.97 WHIP with batters hitting a paltry .193 against him over the past two seasons.
Go Astros.