Former Cubs pitcher Feldman signs with Houston

Aug 31, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher

(34) reacts after inducing a double play to get out of the fifth inning during a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Right-hander Scott Feldman, who spent half a season in Chicago last year, has elected to sign with the youthful Houston Astros, signing a three-year, $30 million contract with a team that lost 111 games in 2013.

"“Everybody starts in this game young, you can really learn a lot just by watching anybody. … I can learn from them and they can also learn from me,” Feldman said. “It’s just going to be great to have a group of guys that works wells and we can all get on the same page, help each other out and have a successful season.”"

The 30-year-old Feldman went 12-12 with a respectable 3.86 ERA last season, splitting time between the Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles. The Chicago front office duo of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer flipped the righty to the AL East club at the midseason mark along with catcher Steve Clevenger in return for pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop, as well as international bonus slots 3 & 4.

Feldman went 7-6 with Chicago, posting a 3.24 ERA in 15 starts prior to the trade. Arrieta is expected to compete for a rotation spot with the Cubs next season while Strop is anticipated to be a top reliever in the bullpen, possibly vying for the closer’s job in 2014.

Houston has added several pieces this offseason, including outfielder Dexter Fowler – Feldman is expected to be one of the top arms for the Astros next season.