Major League Baseball

Astros near deal with free agent 2B

Published Dec. 17, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Astros have a new second baseman.

The team has reached agreement with free agent Bill Hall on a one-year contract in the $3 million range, according to a major-league source.

The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a mutual option for 2012.

The addition of Hall virtually ensures that the Astros will trade Jeff Keppinger, their primary second baseman last season. The Yankees have shown recent interest in Keppinger, sources say.

Hall, who turns 31 on Dec. 28, spent last season with the Red Sox in a super-utility role, batting .247/.316/.456, with 18 home runs in 344 at-bats.

The Astros earlier this offseason acquired Clint Barmes from the Rockies to be their regular shortstop.

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