The Houston Astros have signed starter Doug Fister to a one-year contract, the club announced on Thursday. The news brings more competition to the team's pitching staff.
The team did not disclose the financial details of the agreement, but Chris Cotillo of SB Nation is reporting the deal is worth $7 million and can reach $12 million if performance bonuses are reached.
Cotillo adds Fister will be introduced in a press conference today.
#Astros and free agent RHP Doug Fister have agreed to terms on a one-year contract through the 2016 season, GM Jeff Luhnow announced today.
— Houston Astros (@astros) January 28, 2016
Fister, who turns 32 at the beginning of February, spent the last two seasons with the Washington Nationals after coming over in a trade with the Detroit Tigers. He endured a tremendous 2014 campaign after going 16-6 with a 2.41 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 25 starts (164 innings), but an elbow injury affected his 2015 season.
His value took a big hit when he finished 5-7 with a 4.19 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 25 games (15 starts), totaling 103 innings. He was demoted to the bullpen following his injury due to the emergence of rookie Joe Ross.
Earlier in the offseason, MLBTradeRumors.com predicted Fister would land a one-year contract in the $10 million range. Due to his injury and down year, he was expected to sign a short-term deal to re-establish his value for 2017 and beyond.
The right-hander joins a favorable situation in Houston. The up-and-coming Astros have a talented young roster and Fister will likely have a good shot to earn a spot in the starting rotation. Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh and Lance McCullers have already established themselves as mainstays, but Fister will likely have the opportunity to compete with Mike Fiers, Scott Feldman and Brad Peacock for a job.
Fister has spent seven seasons in the MLB and owns a 65-63 record with a 3.42 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 732 strikeouts in 180 games (167 starts), totaling 1,085-2/3 innings with the Seattle Mariners, Tigers and Nats.
