Astros' Oswalt avoids arbitration, agrees to two-year contract

HOUSTON -- Right-hander Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration by agreeing Thursday to a two-year, $16.9 million contract.

Oswalt, who had a hearing date next week, had asked for a raise from $3,425,000 to $7.8 million and was offered $6 million by the Astros. He won career-high 20 games last season.

"Roy established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game in 2004," Astros general manager Tim Purpura. "He has been a vital part of our success on the mound for the last four years, and we look forward to his continued success in an Astros uniform."

Oswalt went 20-10 with a 3.49 ERA last season. He was the eighth Astros pitcher to win 20 in a season and had two shutouts. He also struck out 206 batters.

In four seasons with Houston, Oswalt is 63-27 with a 3.11 ERA in 120 games.