The Houston Astros have executed another trade this offseason and this time sent infielder Jed Lowrie to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for a prospect.
Lowrie played for the Athletics from 2013-2014 before signing a three-year, $23 million deal with the Astros last offseason. He's owed $7.5 million in 2016, $6.5 million in 2017 and has a $6 million team option for 2018 (or a $1 million buyout).
Jane Lee of MLB.com was the first to report the trade, which was confirmed by both clubs shortly after.
According to multiple sources, the A's have reacquired Jed Lowrie in a trade with the Astros.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) November 25, 2015
OFFICIAL: The A's acquire IF Jed Lowrie from Houston for minor league RHP Brendan McCurry.
— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) November 25, 2015
#Astros officially acquire minor league RHP Brendan McCurry from Oakland in exchange for IF Jed Lowrie.
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 25, 2015
Lowrie, 31, was limited to just 69 games in 2015 after undergoing surgery early in the year to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. He batted .222/.312/.400 with 35 runs scored, 9 home runs and 30 RBI, but his services slowly became expendable in Houston due to the presence of infielders Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Luis Valbuena - all of whom performed well this past season.
The veteran infielder will now return to Oakland and join a crowded infield there as well. The A's have Danny Valencia at third, Marcus Semien at shortstop and Brett Lawrie at second. It's possible Lowrie is used as a left-handed hitting option at first base while also serving as a depth option for the other infield spots assuming the Athletics plan to keep everyone.
Houston received prospect pitcher Brendan McCurry in the deal, as noted above. The 23-year-old reliever has spent two seasons in the minors with Oakland and owns a 1.37 ERA. 0.80 WHIP, 29 saves 119 strikeouts in 67 games (91 2/3 innings) over that span. He reached Double-A this past season.
