Astros decline option on Jeff Bagwell

The Houston Astros declined to exercisetheir option on first baseman Jeff Bagwell for next season, the club announced Tuesday.

Houston will instead pay the $7-million US buyout of the option in Bagwell's contract.

Bagwell, 38,is Houston's all-time leader in home runs (449), RBIs (1,529) and walks (1,401). In 15 major-league seasons with the Astros, he hit .297 while stealing 202 bases and scoring 1,517 runs in 2,150 games.

Bagwell is considering retirement after spending the entire 2006 campaign on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury.

"I talked to Jeff for the first time about this recently. I said, 'Assuming they don't pick the option up, what's next?' " Bagwell's agent, Barry Axelrod, told mlb.com. "He said, 'In all likelihood, retirement.' But we're not there yet."

A four-time all-star, Bagwell is one of only nine players in National League history to win both the NL Rookie of the Year award (1991) and NL Most Valuable Player award (1994).

Bagwell has been a model of consistency during his career.From 1996-2001, he belted at least 30 homers, collected 100 RBIs and scored 100 runs per season.

He is also the only first baseman to hit more than 400 home runs and steal 200 bases in a career.

"Jeff has had an outstanding career with the Astros," general manager Tim Purpura said.

"We appreciate the way he has played the game, mentored his teammates and represents both our ball club and the city of Houston. Jeff's legacy with the Astros is truly legendary."