Details are beginning to emerge about the Houston Astros’ approach to re-signing Alex Bregman, a critical figure in their success. After failing to reach a contract extension last offseason, Bregman’s value has only risen, thanks to his stellar performance that earned him his first Gold Glove award. This accolade solidified his reputation as an elite two-way player, further showcasing his worth on the open market.
The Astros, who selected Bregman as the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, have witnessed his growth and contributions firsthand. Yet, despite their familiarity with his talents, there is a genuine possibility that the star third baseman might leave the team. Houston’s reluctance to offer contracts exceeding five years remains a sticking point, and it’s unlikely the organization will deviate from this policy, even for a player as impactful as Bregman. This conservative stance could pave the way for him to sign elsewhere, dealing a significant blow to the Astros’ hopes of returning to the World Series in 2025.
Recognizing the potential loss, franchise legend Jose Altuve has been vocal in advocating for the Astros to retain Bregman. Altuve, who has been a cornerstone of the team for years, has directly communicated his support for Bregman to the front office and owner Jim Crane. Crane has acknowledged Altuve’s input, emphasizing that it carries significant weight in the organization’s decision-making process.
“We love Altuve. I love Altuve,” Crane shared with Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. “We told him we were going to make a strong effort to get it done and that we’d do our best. It carries some weight with me, and it carries some weight with Dana [Brown]. He’s been our best player on our team for a long time, and hopefully, he’ll continue that. We’ve got him here until, hopefully, he gets into the Hall of Fame.”
One of the reasons the Astros find themselves in this predicament is their decision to prioritize Altuve’s extension over Bregman’s during the previous offseason. Faced with financial constraints, the team chose to lock up Altuve, their fan-favorite and consistent performer, for the remainder of his career. While this move was logical from a business standpoint, it left Bregman’s future uncertain and created the current dilemma.
Now, as the top third baseman in free agency, Bregman is poised to secure a lucrative contract this offseason. Whether that deal comes from Houston or another team remains to be seen. If the Astros heed Altuve’s pleas and commit to a competitive offer, they could keep this formidable infield duo intact. However, if they hold firm to their short-term contract policy, they risk losing a cornerstone player who has been integral to their success.
The outcome of these negotiations will shape not only the Astros’ roster but also their aspirations for future championships. If the team chooses to invest in Bregman, it will signal their commitment to maintaining a strong core. If not, it could mark the end of an era for one of baseball’s most dynamic partnerships.
