MLB insider offers frustrating and confusing update on Houston Astros and Alex Bregman contract talks
A top MLB insider gave an update on the ongoing contract talks between the Houston Astros and homegrown star Alex Bregman. And it revealed a head-scratching decision coming from the organization.
Four years ago, the Houston Astros made a major investment in Alex Bregman when they gave the infielder and new five-year, $100 million contract. The deal came after four impressive seasons to start his career in Texas, including two trips to the All-Star game.
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However, in the first two years of the deal injuries limited him to just 133 games and he has not recaptured his All-Star former in 2022 or 2023. Unsurprisingly it has made the organization hesitant to lock him into a new long-term deal as he enters the final year of his deal in 2024. It has also left his future with Houston in limbo as contract talks seem to have hit a stalemate.
- Alex Bregman stats (2023): .262 AVG, .363 OBP, .441 SLG, 25 HR, 98 RBI, 103 R
Houston Astros expected to make underwhelming contract offer to Alex Bregman before he hits free agency
Despite rumblings about Bregman being available in a trade to start the offseason, the Houston Astros never pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal despite there being significant interest around the league in the 29-year-old. Instead they will apparently let him play out the final year of his contract in 2024.
However, on Sunday USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed the team plans to make another run at re-signing the infielder, but it seems like it will be a confusingly half-hearted effort.
“The Houston Astros plan to make All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman a contract offer before he hits free agency, but it’s not expected to come close to the $300 million over 10 years it likely will take to keep him,” Nightengale wrote. “No Astros player has ever received a contract longer than six years or more than $150 million.”
