Astros sign Carlos Pena

The Houston Astros have signed free agent designated hitter/first baseman Carlos Pena to a one-year contract with a base salary of $2.9 million, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports:

The team, which will begin play in the AL West in 2013, has agreed to terms with free agent Carlos Pena on a one-year deal, according to sources.

Pena’s new contract with the Astros also includes $1.4 million in incentives, according to Knobler, who adds that the veteran slugger is expected to share first base and DH duties with Brett Wallace.

The Astros have been in the market for a designated hitter since the offseason began. They’ve been tied to potentials including Alfonso Soriano of the Chicago Cubs and free agent Luke Scott, but money was reportedly an issue when it came to filling the void.

Pena returned to the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2012 season. The 34-year-old wasn’t able to recapture the success he had experienced previously in Tampa, as he hit only .197/.330/.354 with 17 doubles, two triples and 19 home runs.

Pena is an impressive power hitter and has managed to get on base at an above-average clip during his time in the majors. Over 12 seasons in the bigs he’s hit .234/.350/.472.