Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow announced on Monday that Houston and veteran catcher Humberto Quintero have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1 million contract -- plus bonuses.
The Astros avoided arbitration with Quintero.
It marked the final time in being arbitration-eligible for the 32-year-old Quintero, who will be eligible for free agency next offseason.
Quintero hit .240 with two homers, 25 RBI, 12 doubles and 22 runs scored over 262 at-bats in 79 games for the Astros last season.
He's considered one of the top backup catchers in the major leagues and possesses the ability to change the course of a game due to his ability to throw out or pick off baserunners in clutch situations.
His four pickoffs last season ranked second in the majors.
Furthermore, Quintero's 11 combined pickoffs over the last two seasons (2010-11) are tops among catchers in Major League Baseball.
Quintero serves as a positive voice in the clubhouse and is a familiar glove for several of the Astros' starting pitchers and relievers.
With the Astros announcing that young catcher Jason Castro underwent left foot surgery last Friday in Houston, Quintero will be expected to do a little more in the early part of Spring Training.
Castro, Quintero and Craig Tatum represent the catchers on the Astros' 40-man roster, with Carlos Corporan expected to be in the mix after recently deciding to sign a minor league deal.
J.A. Happ is the only remaining arbitration-eligible player for Houston.
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