The Houston Astros traded Hank Conger to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations at the non-tender deadline. Conger, 27, batted .229 with 11 HRs and 33 RBI.
Conger was acquired from the Angels for Nick Tropeano and Carlos Perez in 2014. The Astros were able to free up 40-man roster spots and pick up a quality defensive catcher in Conger. In addition to his pitch framing abilities, Conger bats from both sides of the plate and hits righties far better than he does lefties. Conger had never hit a home run off of a left-handed pitcher at the Major League level until 2015 when he blasted 4 of his career-high 11.