HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros declined to offer Chris Carter a contract for 2016 on Wednesday, making the slugger a free agent.
Carter was the only arbitration-eligible player Houston did not offer a contract. The Astros offered them to American League Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, catcher Jason Castro, reliever Josh Fields, designated hitter Evan Gattis and infielders Luis Valbuena and Marwin Gonzalez.
Houston also traded backup catcher Hank Conger to Tampa Bay for cash. He hit .229 with 11 homers and 33 RBI in 73 games last season after being acquired in an offseason trade with the Angels.