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The Astros have signed shortstop Jed Lowrie to a three-year contract that includes a club option for 2018, according to a team announcement. Lowrie will receive $23 million over the three seasons, with a $5 million option that could push the deal's total value to $28 million through 2018.
Lowrie, 30, was also linked to the Giants, Marlins and Mets this offseaosn after hitting the free agent market for the first time in his career. The infielder will serve as the Astros' starting shortstop in 2014, making a trade of Marwin Gonzalez possible.
Lowrie previously spent the 2012 season with the Astros, hitting .244/.331/.438 after being traded by the Red Sox in a trade involving Mark Melancon. He currently lives in Houston, despite spending the last two seasons with the Athletics after being traded before the 2013 season.
In seven major league seasons, Lowrie is a career .261/.330/.411 hitter with 56 home runs and 284 RBI. He hit .249/.321/.355 with six home runs and 50 RBI in 136 games with Oakland last season.