Astros Reach Agreement with Carlos Pena: One Year $2.9 Million

Pena will become the Astros first designated hitter

The Houston Astros are moving to the American League West in 2013, and have reached agreement with Carlos Pena on a one-year deal worth $2.9 million.

Houston announced it will “make an announcement” Monday during a 2 p.m. press conference at Minute Maid Park.

Pena will serve as their first ever DH and share first base with Brett Wallace.

Pena hit .197 last year with the Tampa Bay Rays, but did hit 19 home runs and has averaged 32 home runs a year over the last six seasons.

Pena is a former Gold Glove winner at first base and should provide a strong veteran presence in the Astros clubhouse.

Houston will be Pena’s sixth major league club, including Texas, Detroit, Boston, Tampa Bay, and Chicago.

Houston GM Jeff Luhnow has implemented a plan that mirrors the Tampa Bay Rays plan, of crafting a deep and talented farm system, and sprinkling in veteran major leaguers.