SPORTS DIGEST

OF Michael Brantley, Houston Astros finalize $32M, 2-year contract

HOUSTON

The Houston Astros have long admired Michael Brantley’s game from afar.

They’re ready to appreciate it up close.

The Astros finalized a $32 million, two-year contract Wednesday with the free agent outfielder and introduced him in Houston. Brantley had spent his entire major league career with the Cleveland Indians.

“We like everything about Michael’s game, and we’ve been watching him for years,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “To be able to add a bat like Michael Brantley at this point in our progression, it gives us a lot better chance to continue to do damage the next two years. So we’re excited.”

Brantley joins a team that lost to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS a year after winning its first World Series.

The 31-year-old gives the Astros an upgrade in left field and adds a left-handed bat to a predominantly right-handed lineup.

He gets a $2 million signing bonus payable on March 15 and annual salaries of $15 million.

Brantley is a career .295 hitter and adds more punch to an outfield anchored by center fielder George Springer.