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A day after the Astros announced the moved to add outfielder Nori Aoki, the team secured up another piece for the 2017 season — catcher/designated hitter Evan Gattis.
Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced Friday that Houston had exercised their 2017 option on catcher Evan Gattis.
Roster moves:
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 4, 2016
• We have exercised Evan Gattis' 2017 option
• Pat Neshek has been traded to Philadelphia for a player to be named later
Gattis, 30, was acquired from Atlanta along with right-handed pitcher James Hoyt in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, infielder Rio Ruiz and right-handed pitcher Andrew Thurman on Jan. 14, 2015.
The club option will give Gattis a $ 2 million raise to $5.2 million for the 2017 season.
Gattis hit .251 (112x447) with 32 doubles, 72 RBI and a career-high .826 OPS (.319 OBP/.508 SLG). He set a career high in home runs in 2016 with 32. In his two seasons with the Astros, Gattis has compiled 59 home runs, 160 RBI, and a .483 slugging percentage in 281 games.
Gattis has a clear role in the starting lineup in 2017, the question will be if it's at catcher or designated hitter. Gattis batted .295 (56x190) with 19 home runs and .647 slugging in 52 games as a catcher. He batted .219 (55x251) with 13 home runs and .410 slugging in 71 games as a designated hitter.
There appears to be a clear difference with Gattis playing in the field, but will the Astros have a catcher in front of him on the depth chart? Long-time starter Jason Castro is a free agent.
Houston has Gattis under control for two more arbitration seasons.