Free agent outfielder Darin Erstad signed a one-year contract worth $1 million plus incentives with the Houston Astros on Thursday.
The 33-year-old Erstad, a two-time All Star in 11 seasons with the Angels, hit .248 with four home runs and 32 RBIs in 87 games last season for the Chicago White Sox. He is a career .284 hitter with 118 home runs and 657 RBIs.
Free-agent outfielder Darin Erstad officially became a candidate for the White Sox’s center-field job Wednesday, signing a one-year, $1 million contract with a club option for 2008. The value of the option is $3.5 million, but could escalate to a maximum of $6 million if Erstad makes 600 plate appearances next season. It would increase by another $250,000 if Erstad is named Comeback Player of the Year. Erstad, 32, will earn a $750,000 salary in ’07 and receive a $250,000 buyout if the Sox do not exercise his option. The value of his buyout also can increased base on his number of plate appearances, to a maximum of $1.25 million.
Erstad, a left-handed hitter, could figure in a center-field platoon with Brian Anderson, or win the job outright. He also could serve as a backup to Paul Konerko at first base.
Free agent Darin Erstad still could return to the Angels as a backup first baseman and outfielder, but the Marlins and White Sox are offering him greater playing time, according to his agent, Greg Genske.
The Cubs, who remain interested in Erstad, are on the verge of signing outfielder Cliff Floyd and probably can’t fit another free agent into their budget even if they trade right fielder Jacque Jones, major-league sources said.
The Marlins, who have failed in their attempts to land a young center fielder this off-season, want Erstad to be their regular in center. The White Sox could use Erstad, a left-handed hitter, in a center-field platoon with Brian Anderson and also as a backup to Paul Konerko at first base. Erstad turned down a one-year offer from the A’s.