The Astros and McCormick avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million contract Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. McCormick was arbitration-eligible for a second time this winter.

This story was excerpted from Brian McTaggart’s Astros Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

"The Astros are still searching for a left-handed hitting outfielder to join Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers in the starting lineup, and buying low on Alex Verdugo with a one-year contract could be the answer. A reunion with Jason Heyward to serve as the fourth outfielder also makes sense," Reuter wrote on Monday.

The Houston Astros released their first roster for spring training next month in West Palm Beach, Fla., which starts next month.

The Houston Astros have been the gold standard in baseball for nearly the last decade. Last season was the seventh time in the last eight years that they won the American League West, but it could very well have been the end of their dynasty as we know it.

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have avoided arbitration and have agreed to terms on one-year contracts with all eight of their arbitration-eligible players: RHP Bryan Abreu, IF/OF Mauricio Dubón, RHP Luis Garcia,

HOUSTON (AP) — Right-hander Luis Garcia and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration when they agreed to a one-year contract for $1,875,000, matching the salary he earned last year when he didn't pitch in the major leagues as he recovered from Tommy John ...

Right-hander Luis Garcia and the Astros avoided arbitration when they agreed to a one-year contract for $1,875,000, matching the salary he earned last year when he didn't pitch in the major leagues as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

The Houston Astros came to terms on one-year contracts ... infielder/outfielder Mauricio Dubon, outfielder Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers, infielder Isaac Paredes and shortstop Jeremy Pena.

HOUSTON — Right-hander Luis Garcia and the ... third baseman Isaac Paredes and outfielders Mauricio Dubón, Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers.

HOUSTON (AP) — Right-hander Luis Garcia and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration when they agreed ... third baseman Isaac Paredes and outfielders Mauricio Dubón, Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers.

We're more than half through the offseason. MLB Trade Rumors re-ranks the top candidates to change hands on the trade market. Click to read more.