Headlines

  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim
  • Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon
  • Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday
  • Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds
  • Rangers Option Josh Jung
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Astros Have Discussed New Deal With Michael Brantley

By Steve Adams | November 9, 2020 at 11:10am CDT

The Astros could lose outfielders George Springer, Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick to free agency this winter, but The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports in his latest notes column that the club is “trying to work out a deal” with the 33-year-old Brantley. Interest in a reunion is mutual, Rosenthal adds.

Houston opted not to issue an $18.9MM qualifying offer to Brantley, who just wrapped up a two-year, $32MM contract with the ’Stros. The longtime Indians left fielder was excellent in his new setting, delivering a combined .309/.370/.497 line through 824 plate appearances as an Astro. That excellence continued into the playoffs, where Brantley tallied 138 trips to the plate and slashed .311/.391/.426 over the past two postseasons.

It’s not yet known what type of payroll capacity the Astros have this winter, although owner Jim Crane already showed a willingness to spend when he re-signed first baseman Yuli Gurriel to a one-year, $7MM contract (plus a club option) just prior to the beginning of the Wild Card round of postseason play. That deal was in spite of a generally poor year at the plate for Gurriel, which made it rather surprising, but it certainly had to be viewed as a good omen for Astros players like Brantley who hoped to broker a new arrangement with the team.

Then again, adding Gurriel back at that rate further elevated a reasonably crowded Houston payroll. Between him, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Ryan Pressly, Joe Smith and Martin Maldonado, the Astros have more than $103MM on the books (after factoring for Greinke’s partial salary deferrals and the money coming over from the D-backs as part of that deal). Houston also still owes arbitration raises to Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers Jr. and Aledmys Diaz. Raises for that trio could bring the Astros north of $122MM before adding pre-arbitration players to round out the roster.

That’s not a daunting number relative to the $200MM+ at which the club opened the 2020 season (prior to prorating), but Crane surely would prefer not to replicate that level of spending in the wake of this year’s lost revenue. That may have been true even under normal circumstances, given that last year’s payroll shattered the previous franchise record of about $160MM. The only times the Astros have ever gone beyond the $125MM mark in payroll were in 2018-20. With needs in the bullpen and perhaps in the rotation, there are other areas that need to be addressed as well.

As Rosenthal points out and as we alluded to in our annual free agent rankings, Brantley’s market is further clouded, to an extent, by uncertainty regarding the universal designated hitter. Brantley will turn 34 years old next May and would  benefit from a club that is able to mix in some regular DH reps. He may not be keen on jumping on a new deal until there’s a definitive yay or nay on an NL DH next year. Even if he ultimately lands with an American League team, the presence of the DH in the National League would still improve his negotiating power as he seeks the best deal possible.

Share 0 Retweet 36 Send via email0

Houston Astros Michael Brantley

Offseason Outlook: Seattle Mariners
Main
Pirates Release Dovydas Neverauskas; Nick Burdi Elects Free Agency
View Comments (36)
Post a Comment

36 Comments

  1. cleve1969

    5 years ago

    Keep him …

    2
    Reply
  2. Jeffmathisfirstballothalloffame

    5 years ago

    He’s a very good player he fits on a lot of teams like the nationals, Astros, Mets, Bluejays, and possibly the white Sox. The real question is how much is Houston willing to pay

    3
    Reply
    • Tom E. Snyder

      5 years ago

      The real question is how little is he willing to accept?

      3
      Reply
    • davidk1979

      5 years ago

      Mets have no room in the OF or dh spot for him

      Reply
    • its_happening

      5 years ago

      Brantley would be great for Toronto except they have plenty of corner OFs at the moment.

      Reply
      • rhymo

        5 years ago

        I would really enjoy the idea of Brantley with the Jays if the DH spot is open for Teo and Brantley to split time at along with the corner outfield. With Tellez and Vlad at 1B and DH that makes it less likely. I like the idea of a LHH with a high contact low strikeout rate.

        Reply
  3. The_Porcupine

    5 years ago

    Crazy idea that isn’t supposed to be taken too seriously. What if the Astros traded Bergman? I would expect him to bring back a haul. To me their window will be shutting soon due to payroll escalation, this might be a way to restock with younger/cheaper talent.

    Reply
    • Tom E. Snyder

      5 years ago

      I would love it if they traded Bergman. I’m not sure where they would find him though.

      Reply
      • AngelDiceClay

        5 years ago

        Its Bregman

        Reply
        • Tim_Buck-Two

          5 years ago

          Who Berkman? I thought he retired

          Reply
    • BKS1110

      5 years ago

      Greinke, JV, and McCullers are all coming off the books next off-season. That’s $60 million at least. They should be alright payroll-wise.

      Reply
      • brandons-3

        5 years ago

        Then question then becomes: How do you successfully replace or retain the top three guys in your rotation while staying competitive. Also consider the possible departure of George Springer this offseason plus the chance Correa can soon walk too.

        I don’t think Bregman is the piece they move, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear Correa privately being shopped

        2
        Reply
    • jdgoat

      5 years ago

      I feel like Correa is more likely. They should be looking to trade him for a guy like Sonny Gray or someone in a similar contract situation. It looks like they will desperately need pitching additions if they’re going to compete. Verlander could be cooked at his age and Whitley may be a bust.

      2
      Reply
      • gost1

        5 years ago

        Lots of depth actually, even without acquisition of a few expected this yr. Equally telling the Astros passed on signing Robbie Ray at $8m, like they passed on Bundy, and Pineda before.

        2021 Frontline: Greinke, Valdez, Urquidy, LMJ

        Vie for mid-to backend rotation (in order of Dec. R5 considerations): Javier, Garcia, Bielak, Armenteros, Sneed, Rodriguez, Castellanos, Ivey, Whitley, Solis, Solomon, Bailey, Torres *Conine* (15)

        Folds into long relief: Paredes, Abreu, Dubin with Taylor Scrubb Raley Pressly (Smith)

        In ’22:
        SP#3Hunter Brown, Ty Brown, Austin Hansen, Blair Henley, Jairo Lopez, JA Rivera

        2
        Reply
  4. IloveMACfootball

    5 years ago

    What was the logic on not issuing QO? Certainly seems like a player of his caliber is worth that price. Given his age and injury history I don’t think going more than one year at a time with him makes sense, adding to the QO value.

    1
    Reply
    • bot

      5 years ago

      It would almost lock him in too as he’d be tied to pick compensation so he’d prob take it. He’s also better than gausman and stroman.

      Maybe stros hope they can bring him back on a team friendly….good luck w that

      Reply
      • Tom E. Snyder

        5 years ago

        The Astros wanted to keep Gurriel and Gurriel wanted to stay. His deal seemed good. The Astros want to keep Brantley and Brantley wants to stay. I believe they will figure it out.

        Reply
    • Tim_Buck-Two

      5 years ago

      All of the owners are lowballing everything right now

      Reply
      • Astros2333

        5 years ago

        They don’t have any revenue to count on so it makes sense.

        Reply
  5. Rangers29

    5 years ago

    Could they just keep giving him two year 32 mil deals till he retires?

    3
    Reply
  6. budgreen420

    5 years ago

    Could we just please flush this shithole team down the toilet where it belongs?

    3
    Reply
    • Tim_Buck-Two

      5 years ago

      No, we find out the whole truth

      Reply
    • Tom E. Snyder

      5 years ago

      Afraid that they will keep your team down?

      Reply
  7. kwolf68

    5 years ago

    Reddick needs to be cut loose, Kyle Tucker is ready to go. Astros better not put too many aging players on their team or Dusty will mouthball Tucker again. He was going to do it this year until the Astros had their injuries. I think bringing back Brantley is a good call despite the injuries and age.

    2
    Reply
  8. Melvin McMurf

    5 years ago

    did you factor the cost of trash cans?

    4
    Reply
    • Tom E. Snyder

      5 years ago

      Why when you agreed to pick up that cost?

      Reply
  9. chace alexander

    5 years ago

    I feel like he’s gonna end up signing with a very bad team for a good share of cash

    Reply
  10. Strosfn79

    5 years ago

    I think based on the market, the Astros bet on Brantley not getting 18+ mil so didn’t give QO that he would likely accept.

    They feel they can sign him for less on a 1 or 2 year deal.

    Its a gamble. They are losing 3 outfielders, very little if any minor league depth and weak free agent class.

    Reply
  11. Brac2brac

    5 years ago

    Atlanta if he can’t get a 2 year contract

    Reply
  12. TrillionaireTeamOperator

    5 years ago

    Seems like a 2 year/$28M contract would be fair. It’s a slight decrease in pay, sure, but it’s the equivalent of a 4 year/$60M deal for him and the Astros, which would’ve been and would still be very fair compensation.

    1
    Reply
    • puhl

      5 years ago

      Two for $28M is EXACTLY what I was thinking as well.

      Reply
    • Strosfn79

      5 years ago

      I don’t see the last 2 years factoring in

      “Well since we already paid you 32 mil for 2 years, this is like a 4 years, 60 mil contract”

      No way that works or happens.

      All that does is help establish his value which actually hurts the case for 2 yrs and 28 mil.

      However due to the financial state of MLB, I think he would sign that deal.

      Although I would not be opposed to PA escalators adding to his salary. Maybe additional million for every 100 PA above 400?

      Reply
  13. Brac2brac

    5 years ago

    Astros offer $25MM for 2 years, his agent counters $32MN and they settle for $28MM.
    That would be in contrast to 3yrs/$40MM in a non-covid situation.

    Reply
  14. Yankee Clipper

    5 years ago

    This guy is can flat-out hit, and will probably age well since he has good bat-to-ball skills. He’ll want to return to the Astros. They’ll want him back after losing Springer.

    1
    Reply
  15. oldoak33

    5 years ago

    Brantley is such a pro

    2
    Reply
  16. gtb1

    5 years ago

    Brantley looks good in an Astros uniform. Fan favorite.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Braves Designate Alex Verdugo For Assignment

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Mariners Looking For Corner Infield Bats; Ownership Willing To Bump Payroll

    Recent

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Orioles Outright Matt Bowman, Emmanuel Rivera

    Cubs Sign Ryan Jensen To Minor League Deal

    Yankees Sign Joel Kuhnel To Minors Deal

    Yohan Ramírez Opts Out Of Pirates Deal

    Red Sox Notes: Anthony, Yoshida, Bregman

    Cardinals Front Office Expects Ownership Support At Deadline

    Royals Select Luke Maile

    Astros Re-Sign Tayler Scott To Minor League Deal

    Mets Re-Sign Colin Poche To Minor League Deal

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version