Talking to reporters on Thursday (together with Brian McTaggart of MLB.com), Astros normal supervisor Dana Brown mentioned that the workforce has not but broached the topic of an extension with Alex Bregman. This aligns with feedback Bregman made this spring, telling reporters (together with Chandler Rome of The Athletic) that he had not acquired a suggestion and didn’t anticipate to earlier than Opening Day.
Nevertheless, Brown added that he nonetheless plans to debate a brand new contract along with his third baseman. “In some unspecified time in the future,” the GM acknowledged, “we could have some discussions with Bregman and make him a suggestion” (per McTaggart).
Whereas there’s typically an extended method to go between an preliminary provide and an settlement, it is a reassuring replace for Astros followers hoping the two-time All-Star indicators a long-term cope with the membership. Brown made related feedback concerning Bregman forward of spring coaching, which is usually thought of the very best time for extension discussions. Though the spring has wrapped up and the season has begun, the manager’s more moderen remarks make clear that the Astros are open to negotiations over the subsequent a number of months. For his half, Bregman has additionally expressed a willingness to permit his agent, Scott Boras, to barter with Houston throughout the season (per Rome).
Bregman made back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2018 and ’19. He slashed .291/.409/.561 with 72 residence runs throughout these two seasons, ending within the prime 5 in AL MVP voting every year. Leg accidents restricted him to 133 video games between 2020 and ’21, and though he has stayed wholesome ever since, he has by no means fairly returned to his 2018-19 type. Nonetheless, Bregman has remained a extremely productive participant, because of glorious plate self-discipline, plus energy, and a succesful glove on the sizzling nook. As he enters his age-30 season, he’s nonetheless one of many higher third basemen within the American League. With one other sturdy exhibiting in 2024, he will probably be one of many prime free brokers accessible if he hits the open market this coming winter.
Brown additionally informed reporters that Kyle Tucker will obtain an extension provide, although he famous that the 2 sides aren’t engaged in “deep discussions” (per McTaggart). The GM had beforehand expressed a want to increase Tucker, however his phrases on Thursday counsel an extra diploma of certainty that the Astros will in reality make a suggestion.
Tucker has blossomed into one of many higher nook outfielders in baseball over the previous 4 seasons. He gained a Gold Glove in 2022, a Silver Slugger in 2023, and made the AL All-Star workforce each years. Nevertheless, extending Tucker is much less urgent enterprise for the Astros; the proper fielder gained’t attain free company till after the 2025 marketing campaign.
