Nelson Figueroa '98 has been the epitome of a journeyman since making his Major League Baseball debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks more than a decade ago. Since his debut on June 3, 2000, Figueroa has pitched for seven MLB teams, the AAA affiliate of an eighth and in multiple foreign leagues. After signing a deal last Wednesday with the Houston Astros, Brandeis' sole alumnus in one of the "Big Four" sports in the U.S. knows where he'll be next season for the first time in his career.Figueroa and the Astros agreed to a one-year, $900,000 deal with contract incentives with the starting pitcher just one day before the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. It was the first time that Figueroa was eligible for arbitration and the first time that he was offered a guaranteed contract.

"That's one of the best parts," Figueroa said in an interview with MLB.com. "I can go ahead and plan out Christmas presents and getting everybody the jersey they wanted all season long. To have a place to call home and have the security of knowing that I'm going to be there Opening Day. I'm really excited and thankful for the opportunity."

The 35 year-old Figueroa, who was an American Studies major at Brandeis, went 7-4 with a 3.29 ERA last season in games with both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Astros. On his career, Figueroa is 20-32 with a 4.29 ERA. He has 60 starts and 137 total appearances in the majors.

"They showed tremendous faith in me, and I'm thankful for the opportunity, and I'm preparing like never before to do my part next season," Figueroa said.