The Houston Astros have been eliminated from the MLB playoffs before the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016, capping off an extraordinary run by one of the league’s dynasties. With the season gone, the Astros’ front office and ownership are already under heat from within the clubhouse.
Houston has taken efforts to lower payroll in recent years while remaining focused on competing for another World Series championship. However, this season’s postseason failure at home is immediately followed by an offseason in which key Astros free agents reach the open market.
Those circumstances are precisely what inspired Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, who is generally more restrained, to call on the club to do what this team requires by re-signing Alex Bregman to a contract he deserves.
“He gave a lot to this organization. Now it’s time for us, as a team, as an organization, to pay him back and make him stay here…We’re not going to be the same organization without him. In my mind, there’s not a chance this is the last one.”
Jose Altuve on the Houston Astros needing to re-sign Alex Bregman (H/T ESPN)
Houston did extend Altuve’s deal before the regular season, agreeing to a $125 million extension that will last until the 2029 MLB season. Now that he is one of the highest-paid MLB players, Altuve hopes the organization will do the same for his long-time friend and teammate.
Bregman is coming off a season with his lowest OPS (.768) and second-worst OBP (.313) in his career. However, the 30-year-old improved significantly down the stretch, compiling a.281/.326/.557 slash line,.883 OPS, and 146 wRC+ in the final two months of the regular season.
It is unclear whether Houston’s front staff will be given permission by ownership to engage in a bidding battle for Bregman. Losing the All-Star third baseman would be a devastating blow to both the Astros’ lineup and their defense at the hot corner. Losing Bregman would also cause frustration within the fan base and within the clubhouse, making it one of the more significant offseason storylines this year.
