The Houston Astros have been in extension talks with multiple players this offseason. The two main stars, José Altuve and Alex Bregman, also are looking to lock in another extension, keeping them with the team for the remainder of their careers.
They might have to wait a bit, however. This doesn’t appear to be the time to have more serious contractual talks.
“It’s probably going to be more like next year,” Astros’ newly hired general manager Dana Brown told The Houston Chronicle.
“We made it clear that we want to keep them both around. This is part of getting through (2025), getting to (2026), some more time to replenish the system without overhauling the roster.”
Altuve and Bregman went back-to-back 😎
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/bUpXVYj4ne
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) April 20, 2019
This is better news from Brown who appeared pessimistic just days before about landing deals with Altuve and Bregman.
Should a contract come into play for Altuve, it will be his third extension with the Astros. The extension he signed in 2018 included a five-year, $151 million deal. Bregman is signed through 2024 which was to the tune of five years and $100 million.
Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, has been in contact with the agent and told MLB.com last month, they’re “all ears.”
Dana Brown says he has made it clear to Alex Bregman, José Altuve and their agent Scott Boras “these guys should retire here.” pic.twitter.com/XK2c77OlEO
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) February 16, 2023
Brown’s past with the Atlanta Braves is different than having to wait to sign two guys who have 10 All-Star selections between the two of them. The Braves have a tendency to jump quickly and extend their players the moment they get a chance to.
The Braves’ club control after today’s six-year Sean Murphy extension:
Austin Riley, through 2033
Michael Harris II, 2032
Matt Olson, 2030
Sean Murphy, 2029
Spencer Strider, 2029
Ronald Acuña Jr., 2028
Vaughn Grissom, 2028
Ozzie Albies, 2027
Kyle Wright, 2026
Max Fried, 2024— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 28, 2022
That’s exactly what Brown wants to duplicate with his new team.
Altuve made it clear he wants to remain in Houston, but the delay doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing. This isn’t Brown’s first rodeo. He wants to feel just as comfortable with the contracts as the owners and players do.
With the enormous contracts that have been handed out in the game recently, the wait for the players is just as imminent as anything.
Brown also has been working on extension talks with outfielder Kyle Tucker and starting pitcher Framber Valdez. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they had a deal done before Altuve and Bregman.
[Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle]
