The Houston Astros signed outfielder Preston Wilson to a one-year deal worth $4 million on Tuesday. The contract contains a club option for three more years that could be worth up to $9 million a year if incentive clauses are met. Wilson, 31, split time with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals during 2005 batting .260 with 25 homers and 90 RBIs. The former New York Mets 1st round draft pick also struck out 148 times in 520 at-bats. Over eight Major League seasons, Wilson has posted 171 home runs along with 591 RBIs and a .264 career batting average. Breaking Down The Deal Preston Wilson joins Lance Berkman, Willy Taveras, and Jason Lane in a four-man outfield. This will certainly stir trade winds concerning the Astros lineup. Houston will either package an outfielder (likely Taveras) in a deal for a starting pitcher or long-time first baseman Jeff Bagwell will accept a limited role with the club or retire. Wilson, though possessing good power, is very streaky and often a victim to the strike out. He chases balls that are outside of the strike zone and is always among the league leaders in strikeouts. Various groin and knee injuries have limited his once great foot speed. If Wilson can limit his injuries, he will provide an adequate amount of offense to a Houston lineup that struggled to hit last season. I would expect Wilson to bat around .265 with 25-30 homers in 2006. Being a right-handed hitter, he should be able to take advantage of the left-field wall at Minute Maid Park. Wilson is also playing under an incentive-laden contract, which should help him to perform well. My Grade: C+ Do you have a question, concern, or comment? ? Feel free to email me at [email protected]