On Wednesday, the Houston Astros welcomed a much-needed left-hand hitter to a one-year, $1.2 million minor league contract with outfielder Ben Gamel, who will return to the Astros, a source revealed to MLB.com.

According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, Gamel will receive a $200,000 signing bonus, with the remaining $1 million to be paid after he successfully enters the major league roster after spring training. The Astros have yet to confirm the contract, but general manager Dana Brown revealed to fans at a season ticket holder event at Daikin Park on Wednesday that the team will welcome back Gamel.

The 32-year-old played for the Mets at the start of last season and was claimed by the Astros on Aug. 20. In 38 games between the Mets (18) and the Astros (20), he hit a triple of 0.247/.384/0.333. With the Astros, he batted 0.259/.377/0.362 of 69 attempts and hit a home run before being reimbursed early for the season after crashing into the outfield wall while chasing the ball at Anaheim Stadium, resulting in a fractured left fibula.

Since trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs last December, the Astros have been looking for outside court power, especially to add left-hand players. After signing first baseman Christian Walker through free agency and acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Cubs in the Tucker trade, the roster was dominated by right-hand hitters. Jose Altuve, Jeremy Peña, Yainer Diaz, Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick all hit right.

Gamel can play in the corner and is expected to provide support for the Astros' left field. The Astros said they want strong hitter Yordan Alvarez to play more as a designated hitter this year and play less on the left field. Myers was the midfielder and McCormick was the right fieldfielder.

Zach Dezenzo, the Astros' No. 6 potential rookie, is competing primarily for a major league spot as a left-field fielder, as well as left-handed striker Taylor Trammell, who was traded from the Yankees earlier in the offseason. Farm fielder Jacob Melton (No. 2-ranked potential rookie) has a chance to make his mark this season and could also be on a major league team after spring training if other players don't perform well.

Last season, Gamel spent most of his time with the Mets' triple-A team, Syracuse, batting average of 0.314, 12 second base hits, seven home runs, 24 RBIs, and an attack index of 0.961 OPS.