Astros 5-Time All-Star Makes Decision On 2023 Status

After 14 seasons, injuries and Father Time have taken their toll on 35-year-old five-time All-Star Michael Brantley. He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery back in August. 

But the Houston Astros outfielder has made a decision on his future, and decided that he will indeed come back to play in 2023.

Michael Brantley, who underwent shoulder surgery in August, said he does want to continue playing and should be ready to resume baseball activities by spring training.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 28, 2022

Brantley's shoulder should be fully healed and ready to go for spring training. He'll be a free agent this offseason, but certainly hopes the Astros will have him back.  

Michael Brantley wants to continue his career & hopes to return to the Astros in 2023. His contract expires after this season: “I love my teammates.I love this organization..From Jim Crane all the way down from day one when I walked in this door I was welcomed with open arms.” pic.twitter.com/yKQRFqy6kD

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 28, 2022

“I love my teammates. I love this organization.. From Jim Crane all the way down from day one when I walked in this door I was welcomed with open arms.”

When healthy, he has one of the best hit tools in the big leagues. His lifetime average is just shy of .300 (.298) and has hit above .300 in four of the last five seasons. He has an elite .356 career on-base percentage and always keeps the strikeouts low. 

He managed just 64 games this season, and finishes with a .288 average, an incredible .370 on-base, and 31 walks to just 30 strikeouts. 

"I love this game so much, and I cherish it," said Brantley.

Photos: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports, Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports