NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Relievers Lefty Oliver Perez and Righty Chad Qualls both got two-year deals, the former from the Nationals (for $7 million) and the latter from the Rockies ($6 million). The Astros did not make an attempt to re-sign either pitcher, people familiar with the negotiations said. Qualls’ deal was announced Tuesday and Perez’s came last week.
It never seemed likely Qualls would return, despite how much he enjoyed his time with the Astros. His impact as more or less the lone veteran in the 2014 clubhouse was notable, and he remained a presence in 2015 as well.