Oh boy, the Houston Astros just made a big move! They’ve decided to keep their star, Jose Altuve, around for a bit longer. Yup, we’re talking a five-year extension that’s gonna run through the 2025-29 seasons. The team spilled the beans on Tuesday. And guess what? This deal’s got a hefty tag – $125 million. That means Altuve’s sticking around till he’s 39. No free agency for him after 2024; he’s an Astro for life now.
Altuve, at 33, isn’t your typical player. He’s one of those rare gems who didn’t jump ship to test the waters of free agency. Last time his contract was up, he chose to stay. And here he is, doing it again. From 2025 to ’27, he’ll be pocketing $30 million each year. Then, it drops to $25 million in 2028, and down to $10 million in 2029. It’s kinda front-loaded, meaning he’ll earn less as he, well, gets older and possibly hits a decline.
Jim Crane, the Astros’ owner, had something sweet to say. He’s been with the team since 2011, just like Altuve. “We’re the only two guys that have been here that long,” he mentioned in a chat with MLB.com. Having Altuve retire as an Astro? That’s a big deal, not just for the team, but for the fans too.
Now, let’s not forget that rough patch last spring. A wild pitch during the World Baseball Classic did a number on Altuve’s thumb, landing him on the injured list as the season kicked off. But once he was back, oh boy, did he shine. With a .311/.393/.522 slash line and 17 homers in just 90 games, he was on fire. And he hit some milestones too – 2,000 hits, 400 doubles, and 200 homers in 2023. This extension means he’s chasing that 3,000 hit mark wearing an Astros jersey.
Altuve’s pretty much the face of the Astros. He leads in batting average, doubles, runs, and stolen bases. Plus, he’s up there in hits and home runs. And let’s not forget his postseason prowess – second in homers and third in hits. He played a key role in the Astros snagging two World Series titles.
With Altuve’s future secured, the Astros might now look at Alex Bregman, who’s up for free agency after 2024. Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez could also be in line for some contract love. They’re a couple of years away from free agency themselves.
2023 was a solid year for the Astros. They clinched the AL West with a 90-72 record, thanks to a tiebreaker. Made it to the ALCS for the seventh year running. Sadly, they fell to the Texas Rangers, who went on to win the World Series, in a nail-biting seven games.
So, there you have it. Altuve’s sticking around, and the Astros are looking stronger than ever. Let’s see what the future holds for them and their key players.
