The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed former Houston Astros shortstop Clint Barmes to a two-year deal worth $10.5 million on Monday, joining his former Rockies coach Clint Hurdle.
“With the signing of Clint Barmes, we have added an above average defensive shortstop who will bring quality experience and reliability to the club on the playing field as well as a positive veteran presence in the clubhouse,” General Manager Neal Huntington said of his latest acquisition in a press release.
The signing of Barmes takes the Pirates out of the race for prized free-agent shortstops Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins and keeps their budget within reason for the season. It also guaranteed the team a good shortstop, something the bidding teams could lose out on if they do not get one of the top free agents.
The 32-year-old righty hit .244 with 12 home runs last season for the Astros.
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