Huston Astros rejected Jeff Bagwell, the $18 million option. The 38-year-old Bagwell was unable to play in 2006, the final year of his contract, due to degenerative arthritic condition in his right shoulder, an injury he had been fighting with since 2001. Though he tried to return during Spring Training last season but later in March he declared he was incapable to play and went on the disabled list, where he remained for the entire ‘06 campaign.
During his career with Astros, Bagwell performed really well, he has 449 home runs and 1,529 RBIs. He was the Astros’ first baseman on opening day from 1991-2005. A four-time All-Star and the 1994 NL MVP, he is the only first baseman with 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases. Jeff Bagwell, who hit .297 over his career, is among those nine players in NL history who win an MVP and rookie of the year awards.
‘We would love for Jeff to be part of the Houston Astros,’ owner Drayton McLane said. Anyway Jeff cannot play with Astros for next season, but we can expect his comeback in 2008.