It was initially reported Wednesday morning free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley was headed to the Toronto Blue Jays. Instead, Brantley is returning to the Houston Astros.
Mark Berman of FOX 26 reported Brantley is re-signing with the Astros for two years and $32 million.
MLB source: #Astros reach an agreement with Michael Brantley on a two-year deal worth $32 million.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 20, 2021
There were mixed reports about Brantley's destination throughout the day. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and others were among those to report Brantley had signed a three-year deal with Toronto after the Blue Jays signed George Springer late Tuesday night.
However, reports surfaced shortly thereafter suggesting the two sides had not reached a deal. It was assumed there was some momentum to get something done, but nothing was official.
The Astros put a swift end to all the drama by bringing Brantley back into the fold.
Realistically, it always seemed likely Brantley would return to H-Town. The Astros had suggested back in November they were open to a reunion with the sweet-swinging left-hander, and they were not about to lose both Springer and Brantley in the same offseason.
One wonders what happened on Wednesday that changed the course of Brantley's decision. It is possible the Astros were willing to offer him a higher annual average, which could have been more important to Brantley at this stage of his career. This deal will allow him to re-enter the market at 35, and he should have a decent market as a designated hitter even in his mid-30s.
Months and months of inactivity have seemed to define the 2020-21 MLB offseason, but the last 18 hours have been full of surprises.
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