Inside the Astros

Will Michael Brantley Return to the Houston Astros?

Will outfielder Michael Brantley return to the Houston Astros for the 2023 MLB season?

Kade Kistner

Will Michael Brantley Return to the Houston Astros?
Will Michael Brantley Return to the Houston Astros? /
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Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this year. Despite trying to make it back onto the field, he will now hit the free agent market with just 64 games under his belt for the 2022 MLB season.

However, Brantley has no desire to test the market – he wants to return to the Astros for the 2023 MLB season. He told reporters he wants to continue his career in Houston and play for the team next season.

In 379 games with the Astros, the 35-year-old has slashed .306/.368/.464 and boasts one of the best clubhouse presences one could find in the MLB. 

Despite his age and injury history, he would fit well with Houston's makeup heading into next season. Couple that with his desire to remain and a discounted one-year deal could just be what each side is looking for. 

He signed a two-year, $32 million deal ahead of the 2021 MLB season, so something in the ballpark of $6-8 million a year could get the job done. 

It is easy to see the Astros bringing back one of their players that they view as the heart and soul of their team. It's even easier to see why Brantley would want to stay.

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  5. Grading the Houston Astros MLB Trade Deadline Transactions
  6. Jeremy Peña isn't Competing for Rookie of the Year, And That's a Good Thing
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  8. Mancini Mania: Behind the Houston Astros' Latest Streak of History
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Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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