The Houston Astros are poised to be a dominant force in baseball this season, with their roster largely unchanged from last year and the notable addition of Josh Hader. A third World Series win would solidify their status as one of MLB’s greatest dynasties.
This season also marks a pivotal moment for the Astros, as star player Alex Bregman is set to become a free agent after 2024. As one of the top third basemen in the league, he’s likely to attract considerable interest from other teams.
However, Houston may not let Bregman reach free agency, potentially offering him a contract extension similar to what they did with Jose Altuve. Despite discussions between both parties, there has been no progress on this front, and Dana Brown, a representative for the team, mentioned that while they plan to extend an offer to Bregman, there’s no specific timeline for negotiations.
Ideally, any extension would be settled before the Astros face the New York Yankees on March 28 for Opening Day, as players generally prefer to focus on the season rather than contract talks. Nevertheless, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, suggests that even if an offer is made, Bregman may not accept it.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Boras highlighted the differences between Bregman’s situation and Altuve’s, noting that Bregman, who will turn 30 next month, is keen on maximizing his value. It’s a typical stance for Boras, who often encourages his clients to explore free agency to gauge their market worth.
However, Bregman’s case might deviate from the norm. Having been with the Astros since he was drafted second overall in 2015, he has expressed a desire to continue with the team.
Ultimately, the decision will hinge on the Astros’ offer. If it falls short of Bregman’s expectations, he may opt to test free agency after the season.
