The jovial "El Caballo" signed a six-year contract before the 2007 season. The Panamanian had three straight years producing over 100 RBIs but slumped noticeably in 2010 before a somewhat bounceback season the following year. A defensive liability in left field, he saw progressively more time at first base before he was traded to the Miami Marlins in July 2012 after an earlier trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers was withdrawn.

A three-time All-Star, Carlos hit .286 with 133 homers and 533 RBIs during six seasons with Houston. For his 14-season career, which included time with the White Sox, Brewers and Rangers, Lee batted .285 with 358 homers, 1363 RBIs and a .821 OPS.