Twins sign catcher Jason Castro for 3 years, $24.5 million

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have signed former Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro to a three-year contract worth $24.5 million.

The deal was agreed to last week and finalized Wednesday. Castro will make $8.5 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019. He became a free agent after six seasons with the Astros, hitting .232 with 114 doubles, 62 home runs, 212 RBIs and 215 walks in 617 career games. The left-handed batter hit .210 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs last year.

Castro, a first-round draft pick in 2008, is well-regarded for his ability to work with pitchers. He was an All-Star in 2013, when he hit a career-best .276 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs.

Castro will replace Kurt Suzuki, who became a free agent.