Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - The Houston Astros agreed to one-year contracts with catcher Jason Castro and infielder/outfielder Jesus Guzman Friday, avoiding arbitration with both first-year eligible players.
Terms of the deals were not released.
Castro enjoyed a breakout season in 2013, setting Houston records for a catcher with 18 home runs, 35 doubles and 63 runs scored en route to his first All-Star appearance. The 26-year old also drove in 56 runs and threw out 19 base-runners in his first full season behind the plate.
The Astros acquired Guzman, 29, from San Diego on Dec. 18, 2013. The versatile Guzman hit .226 with nine homers and 35 runs batted in for the Padres last season while starting games at both corner infield and outfield spots. Guzman was most effective as a pinch-hitter, where he led the majors with 14 pinch- hit RBI.
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