When Luis Contreras hit free agency, the Houston Astros were the first organization to reach out.
Contreras, who has known no other organization better than the Milwaukee Brewers, was ready to move on. He spent four seasons climbing an organization that he capped out at Triple-A with. Even with other clubs extending minor-league offers, Contreras felt like Houston was the best route for him.
“I liked the Astros, and I wanted to play for them,” said Contreras, who signed with Houston on Sunday and received an invite to major-league spring training. “So we got to an agreement to make it happen, and here I am, happy to be an Astro.”
The righty’s arsenal is one of the reasons why he chose Houston. The Astros value four-seam fastballs with ride, which is what Contreras is known for. He also throws a sweeper, changeup and bullet slider, contributing to his high strikeout rate the last two seasons.
The 27-year-old reliever made 26 appearances for the Nashville Sounds in 2023, posting a 4.76 ERA with 61 strikeouts. On the year between two levels, he totaled 90 strikeouts to 28 walks in 63.1 innings.
“Goals for me are trying to make it on the major-league team out of spring training,” Contreras said. “And if that’s not the case, as soon as possible, making my dream come true.”
