Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow says he talked to free agent designated hitter Lance Berkman on Thursday and Friday about a return to Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported.
Berkman and the Astros were also in contact back in November, during what Berkman called a "kind of a state of the Astros" meeting. The Astros already signed Carlos Pena as a designated hitter and to possibly play some first base (although Brett Wallace is the assumed starter there).
Still, Luhnow told McTaggart, "Obviously, if he feels he's healthy and ready to play, we'll have a conversation with him. He's still got a lot of value to add to a major league team."
CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman reported earlier Friday that Nolan Ryan and the Rangers are trying to lure Berkman out of retirement. Ryan told KRIV-TV in Houston his team has made a formal offer to the switch-hitter. The Orioles, Red Sox and Rays have also expressed interest, according to Heyman.
Berkman only appeared in 32 games in 2012 for the Cardinals. The 36-year-old hit .259/.381/.444 in 97 plate appearances. He was coming off a resurgent 2011 All-Star campaign in which he hit .301/.412/.547 with 31 home runs in 145 games.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.
