Report: Astros Signing All-Star OF Michael Brantley

Michael Brantley was reportedly linked to the Blue Jays before returning to Houston.

The Houston Astros are signing outfielder Michael Brantley to a two-year deal, worth $32 million, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

The news was first reported by FOX26's Mark Berman.

Brantley's deal with the Astros comes after earlier reports on Wednesday said the Blue Jays had reached an agreement with Brantley on a three-year contract.

However, ESPN, The Athletic and MLB Network later reported that there was not an agreement in place.

Brantley, 33, has made four All-Star teams in his 12-year career. He earned All-Star honors in three of the past four seasons. Brantley played with the Astros in both 2019–20 but had spent his ten previous seasons with Cleveland.

If his deal with Toronto had gone through, the outfielder would have become Toronto's latest major offseason acquisition after reportedly agreeing to a deal with former World Series MVP and Astros outfielder George Springer on a six-year contract worth $150 million. Instead, Brantley will likely take on a more important role in Houston's lineup and outfield, following Springer's departure.

The Astors have made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, having appeared in four straight ALCS series.