With the decision to extend Jose Altuve, the Houston Astros' contract focus now goes toward Framber Valdez, Kyle Tucker, and Alex Bregman.
Bregman hits free agency at the end of the season if the club doesn't agree to an extension.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros plan to make Bregman an offer before he hits free agency. Nightengale notes that it isn't expected to be near the $300 million over 10 years that it could take to extend him.
He writes that no player in Houston history has ever received a contract for more than $150 million or longer than six years.
To reinforce that point, the Astros just extended Jose Altuve for five seasons at a cost of $125 million. Additionally, new closer Josh Hader will make $95 million over five seasons.
Bregman, who is 29, has been a staple in a lineup that's been one of the best in baseball for the better half of the past decade. In the 2023 season, he posted a 4.9 WAR while slashing .262/.363/.441 with 25 home runs.
Some around the industry believe that Bregman could be looking for a similar contract to the one that Xander Bogaerts signed. Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million deal with the San Diego Padres. He signed his deal at 30 years old, which Bregman turns in March.
To keep dynasties alive, hard decisions have to be made. That will be up for Bregman to decide, but he's certainly earned the right to hit free agency and land a massive deal.
General manager Dana Brown and team owner Jim Crane will be challenged with figuring out a contract for the two-time All-Star. With Valdez and Tucker in need of long-term deals, Bregman could be the odd man out.
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