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Kingston High School graduate Zack Short has signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros, which includes an invitation to their big league camp. Short, who recently got married in Connecticut, confirmed the news to The Daily Freeman. The 29-year-old infielder has played parts of the last four seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Detroit Tigers, and has also been part of the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves.
Short, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round in 2016, has appeared in 221 major league games. He has a career batting average of .167, with 13 home runs and a .269 on-base percentage. His minor league performance has been more promising, with a .225 batting average and 25 home runs over 966 plate appearances in Triple-A.
Known for his defensive versatility, Short has played multiple infield positions and occasionally in the outfield. Despite his limited offensive contributions, his defensive skills make him a valuable depth option for the Astros. The team, which is projected to exceed the luxury tax threshold for the second consecutive year, is focusing on bolstering its roster depth with such signings.
Short's journey has seen him move between several teams, but he remains hopeful for a stable position in the majors. If he performs well in the upcoming season, he could be retained by the Astros beyond 2025, as he is still shy of three years of service time.