Right now a contract extension between the Houston Astros and Kyle Tucker is plenty of talk but not a lot of action.
Tucker reported to spring training at West Palm Beach on Monday and talked with reporters about a variety of topics, most notably the potential for a contract extension with the Astros.
Tucker described talks about an extension as exactly that, saying that there is “not a hard offer or anything like that,” to MLB.com.
That doesn’t present a problem for Tucker right now, as he said he’s happy to engage with the Astros as spring training continues.
But the Astros are juggling potential extensions at the moment. Along with Tucker, there is a desire to get a deal done with third baseman Alex Bregman, who is a year ahead of Tucker when it comes to free agency. Bregman can be a free agent after this season, and the Astros are talking with Bregman and his representatives.
But, as general manager Dana Brown said on Monday, there is no offer to Bregman at the moment.
It’s possible the Astros are being methodical about their approach after extending Jose Altuve to a five-year, $125 million deal, and signing closer Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million deal in free agency. Last offseason the Astros got pitcher Cristian Javier into a five-year, $64 million deal.
It’s also early in spring training to get anything done. But the Astros do face a decision when it comes to both players.
Tucker will make $12 million this season, thanks to an agreement reached before the arbitration deadline. Last year Tucker and the Astros tried to reach an extension but didn’t get to the finish line.
Now, the 2023 Astros Player of the Year might be more expensive to get.
Tucker won his first Silver Slugger in 2023 after he slashed .284/.369/.517/.886 with 29 home runs, 112 RBI and 30 stolen bases. His 112 RBI was an American League-high.
He is now a two-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner in 2022 and has finished in the Top 20 in MVP voting the past two seasons.
It’s likely an extension will cost the Astros at least $100 million, depending upon how long the deal runs for. Given his production, it might be a wise investment.
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