Houston Astros’ second baseman and influential team leader, Jose Altuve, is leveraging his position within the organization to advocate for the return of third baseman Alex Bregman, who is set to become a free agent after the season. Following the Astros’ recent defeat to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card series, Altuve made it clear that he believes retaining Bregman is crucial for the team’s future.
During a post-game press conference, Altuve expressed his desire not to think about the possibility of playing his last game alongside Bregman. “I’m pretty confident he’s going to be our third baseman next year. We have to. We’re not going to be the same organization without him. In my mind, there’s not a chance this is the last game,” he stated emphatically.
Bregman, who has been with the Astros since his MLB debut in 2016, has made significant contributions to the team, earning two All-Star selections and helping secure World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. He currently ranks sixth in franchise history with 191 home runs and ninth in RBIs with 663. Altuve praised Bregman’s impact on the organization, saying, “Since the day he got here, the whole organization changed in a better direction. He made this team way better. There is hopefully a big chance for him to stay here, and not only that, but retire here.”
Although Bregman has previously expressed his desire to stay in Houston, his status as a top free agent this winter means the Astros will need to present a substantial offer for him to remain with the team. The decision will ultimately hinge on the franchise’s willingness to invest in one of its standout players.
As the offseason approaches, both players and fans alike will be closely watching how the Astros navigate the negotiations surrounding Bregman’s future. The outcome will be pivotal not only for the team’s lineup but also for its continued success in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.