As the Houston Astros faced a sudden and heartbreaking elimination from the postseason, emotions were running high. Jose Altuve, one of the team's iconic players, hugged his longtime teammate Alex Bregman after their 5-2 loss to the upstart Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the wild-card series. The loss was a bitter end to a rollercoaster season, but Altuve’s thoughts were already on the future. He turned to Bregman and reassured him, “You’re coming back.” It wasn’t just a hopeful sentiment but a belief—Altuve made it clear: “Now it’s time to make it happen.”
Bregman has been a cornerstone of the Astros for nearly a decade, serving as one of their most productive and reliable players. His contributions extend far beyond the stat sheet; he’s an integral part of the Astros' culture of winning. Losing him to free agency would be a significant blow to the team, and Altuve knows it. He expressed his concern bluntly, "We're not gonna be the same organization without him. In my mind, there's not a chance this is the last one."
A Rocky Start and a Sudden End
The Astros' 2024 season was nothing short of dramatic. They overcame a dismal 7-19 start to make the playoffs, becoming the first expansion-era team to pull off such a comeback. But their remarkable resilience wasn't enough to carry them through the postseason. The loss to the Tigers ended their streak of seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series. In the two wild-card games, their offense faltered, going just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position—a glaring statistic that reflected their struggles.
Bregman, 30, has been a central figure in the Astros’ success, having posted 38.3 FanGraphs wins above replacement (WAR) since his first full season in 2017, making him the second-best major league third baseman in that span. His value isn't just in his numbers, though. He has been a key player in the Astros’ dynastic run, a figure that general manager Dana Brown hopes to keep around. Earlier in the week, Brown voiced optimism about Bregman’s future with the team: "I think it'll work out. When you get down to it, I think he wants to stay here. I think we want him to stay here. And it's just a matter of coming up with some type of agreement."
Bregman's Free Agency and Market Value
However, keeping Bregman in Houston may not be easy. His agent, Scott Boras, is known for encouraging his clients to test the open market and maximize their value. This strategy has led to complications for the Astros in the past, most notably when they lost star players like Carlos Correa and George Springer to free agency. The six-year, $151 million contract recently signed by Matt Chapman with the San Francisco Giants is seen as the starting point for Bregman’s negotiations, and Boras will undoubtedly push for more. The Astros, under owner Jim Crane, have shown a tendency to shy away from big free-agent deals, which could make Bregman’s future uncertain.
Despite the uncertainties, Altuve hopes Bregman will follow in his footsteps. Altuve, also a Boras client, signed a five-year, $125 million extension in February, a move that kept him in Houston despite similar market pressures. Altuve believes the organization should now reward Bregman in the same way. "He gave a lot to this organization," Altuve said. "Now it's time for us, as a team, as an organization, to pay him back and make him stay here."
The Astros' Next Moves
The Astros haven’t yet made a formal offer to Bregman, but they’re expected to do so soon. After the World Series, teams have a five-day exclusive window to negotiate with their own free agents before the open market begins. During this time, the Astros will likely try to gauge their chances of retaining Bregman. “I think it’s very important,” said Brown. “We’re gonna try to make a run.”
Bregman’s impact on the team goes beyond just his performance on the field. Throughout the 2024 season, he demonstrated his leadership by helping his teammates develop. Whether it was encouraging Hunter Brown to throw his two-seamer or advising Framber Valdez to return to his signature hair extensions—which coincided with a return to top form—Bregman was there, mentoring and supporting. He’s been a role model for younger players like Jeremy Peña, the Astros' shortstop. "Since the first day, I feel like Breggy kinda took me under his wing," Peña said. "Whenever I need advice, he's probably one of the first people I reach out to. Just a great teammate. I consider him a friend, as well."
A Tough Start to 2024
The 2024 season wasn’t easy for Bregman. By mid-May, his batting line was a dismal .201/.270/.264, one of the worst stretches of his career. But Bregman, known for his resilience, made a critical adjustment to his swing and hips, turning his season around. He finished with an impressive .845 OPS for the remainder of the regular season, helping the Astros’ offense surge as well.
Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who was left off the playoff roster and is facing his own free-agency decision, praised Bregman’s work ethic and baseball acumen. "At the beginning of the year, he was obviously not the hitter he wanted to be," Verlander said. "But he shows up on defense every single play and shows up in the locker room here every single day ready to put in his work and help those around him."
Bregman's Emotional Farewell—For Now
Bregman’s regular-season home finale on September 25 was a special moment. He was sent out to the field alone while one of his walk-up songs played through Minute Maid Park, receiving a standing ovation from the fans. It felt like a fitting sendoff for a player who has meant so much to the team. But Wednesday’s loss was different—no ovation, no fanfare. After grounding out in the eighth inning with his team down three runs, Bregman quietly made his way back to the dugout. He watched the Tigers celebrate for a brief moment, then disappeared into the clubhouse.
Despite the sadness of the moment, Bregman gathered his teammates afterward to express how proud he was of their efforts and growth throughout the season. He called it "one of the funnest seasons I've had," a sentiment that underscores his deep connection to the team and its players.
What's Next?
As Bregman prepares to enter free agency, uncertainty lingers. "I really haven't even thought about this free-agency stuff," Bregman said after the loss. "I've just been focused on trying to help this team win ballgames. Obviously, you never know what happens in the offseason, but I just wanted to compete as hard as I could for the guy next to me in the clubhouse."
For Astros fans, the offseason will be an anxious one. Bregman’s future remains up in the air, but one thing is clear: his impact on this team, both on and off the field, has been profound. Whether or not he returns in 2025, his legacy in Houston is already secure.
Login