Ben Gamel DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent outfielder Ben Gamel (leg) and the Houston Astros agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal on Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Gamel's deal includes a $200,000 signing bonus, with the remaining $1 million being non-guaranteed. The 32-year-old veteran outfielder began the 2024 season with the New York Mets and played in only 18 games before eventually joining Houston to close out the year. Gamel played in only 20 games with the Astros and finished the year on the 60-day injured list due to a fibula injury. In total, he appeared in only 38 big-league games and went 20-for-81 (.247) with a homer, four RBI and one stolen base. In spring training this year, Gamel will merely be trying to win an Opening Day roster spot as outfield depth behind the likes of Yordan Alvarez, Mauricio Dubon, Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers, among others.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on KBME-AM in Houston on Sunday that outfielder Ben Gamel (leg) is likely done for the year due to a left-fibula fracture. Gamel injured his knee running into the fall to make a catch against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 14. "Most likely probably takes him out for the postseason," Brown said. "It's really a shame because he was playing really well." The 32-year-old came to Houston after being cut from the New York Mets' roster. He ended up playing in just 38 total games in 2024 and hit .247 (20-for-81) with one homer and four RBI in 99 plate appearances with the Mets and Astros. He was much better in his 20 games in Houston, batting .259 (15-for-58) with a homer and four RBI. With Gamel out for the rest of the way as the club gets set for another playoff appearance, the left-handed-hitting Jason Heyward will benefit from platoon work in the outfield.

The Houston Astros will place outfielder Ben Gamel (knee) on the 10-day injured list due to a left-knee contusion. Gamel injured his left knee on Saturday and didn't play on either Sunday or Monday, and now he'll be out for even more time. In his short time with Houston this year, Gamel has been a bench bat against right-handed pitching and was helping to fill in before outfielder Kyle Tucker returned from a lengthy stint on the IL due to a fractured shin. In his 20 games with the Astros, Gamel has gone 15-for-58 (.259) with a homer, three doubles and four RBI in 69 plate appearances. The 32-year-old will be hoping to return just before the end of the 2024 regular season. In his absence, fellow left-handed-hitting outfielder Jason Heyward will see a bit more playing time against right-handed pitching, mainly in left field.