Astros and LHP Wandy Rodriguez avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a three-year, $34 million contract extension.
The deal includes a vesting option for 2014 which could guarantee him as much as $44.5 million. Rodriguez was arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter, so the Astros have at least bought out his first two years of free agency. The 32-year-old left-hander got off to a rough start last season, but posted a microscopic 1.75 ERA over his final 13 starts, finishing with a 3.60 ERA for the year. The Astros could elect to keep Rodriguez while they attempt to rebuild, but his contract is reasonable enough that he could be traded for a substantial return.
One of the few bright spots for the Astros will be sticking around past his free agents years. I love the money and the length.