Spring training’s just around the corner, folks. And guess what? The Houston Astros just made a big move. They’ve gone ahead and secured their star, Jose Altuve, with a hefty five-year, $125 million contract. This deal stretches from 2025 to 2029, keeping Altuve in an Astros jersey till he’s 39. Why’s this huge? Well, it puts him on track to chase down 3,000 hits right here in Houston.
Altuve was staring down free agency after 2024. But hey, he’s not the only big name on that list. Alex Bregman, that powerhouse third baseman, is also eyeing the free agency door after this season. With Altuve’s future now set in stone, the Astros’ GM, Dana Brown, is likely turning his gaze towards Bregman. The dream? To have these two legends retire together, guarding the left side of the infield like the pros they are.
Jim Crane, the big boss, dropped a hint to MLB.com on Tuesday. “We’ll certainly visit with Bregman when the time comes,” he said. Bregman’s not been slacking, by the way. The guy’s about to hit 30 and just wrapped up 2023 with a .262/.363/.441 slash line. Not to mention, he knocked out 25 homers and racked up more walks than strikeouts. Sure, it’s a dip from his explosive 2018-19 performance, but the man’s still got it.
Ah, those golden years of 2018-19. Remember the home run frenzy? Some say the ball was juiced. And yeah, those were the days of the Astros’ sign-stealing saga. Bregman was on fire, ranking high in the MVP votes. Lately, he’s been more of an All-Star than an MVP, but that’s still something.
Scott Boras, the agent wizard, usually pushes his clients towards free agency. Altuve and Lance McCullers Jr. broke that mold by signing extensions. The Astros have seen their share of departures, like Carlos Correa and George Springer. Yet, they’ve managed to keep some Boras clients around. Bregman’s next contract? That’s a big question mark.
Let’s talk numbers. The largest contracts for infielders hitting their 31st birthday have varied. Bregman’s looking at a hefty payday, considering his track record. Marcus Semien’s contract is a decent comparison, but Bregman’s been at the top longer. Robbie Canó’s deal, though over a decade old, might be the benchmark Boras is eyeing.
Should the Astros pull the trigger on an eight-year, $30 million annual deal? With Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez nearing free agency, there’s a lot to consider. Bregman’s future contract could include some decline years, which is a bit nerve-wracking.
Houston’s got a couple of third base prospects, Zach Dezenzo and Will Wagner, but they’re not sure bets. Utility players are great, but they’re no Alex Bregman. Next offseason’s free-agent market does have some names, but the internal and external options are slim.
Altuve and Bregman’s situations are worlds apart. Altuve’s deal covers his twilight years, while Bregman is in his prime and looking for a big payday. And let’s be real, he’s after the kind of contract Jim Crane tends to avoid.
For now, Altuve’s locked in till 2029, and Bregman’s future is up in the air. The Astros have at least one more year with their star-studded left infield. Bregman might test the free agency waters, and if Crane’s past is anything to go by, Bregman’s next big contract might just be with another team.
