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The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year, guaranteed major league contract with right-hander Jerome Williams, according to a baseball source. The deal will pay Williams $2.1 million in guaranteed money next season, and also includes an additional $1 million in incentive clauses. Because Williams passed his physical, the deal will become official once the Astros make a move to clear room on their 40-man roster.
Williams, 32, also drew interest from the Rangers and Orioles this offseason. He will be used as a starter by the Astros, joining a rotation that already includes Scott Feldman, Brett Oberholtzer, and Jarred Cosart. He is the second veteran starter to sign with Houston this offseason, joining Feldman, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract in December.
After posting a 9-10 record and 4.57 ERA in 37 games (25 starts) with the Angels in 2013, Williams was non-tendered at the beginning of December and became a free agent. For his career, he has a lifetime 42-47 record and 4.35 ERA in 155 appearances (117 starts) with the Giants (2003-2005), Cubs (2005-2006), Nationals (2007) and Angels (2011-2013).