Astros Should Extend Pitcher Not Star Slugger

The Houston Astros extended Jose Altuve from 2025 to 2029 for $125 million. Arguably the most decorated player in the franchise's history stays with them until he's at least 39 years old. 

It was a no-brainer for Altuve and the Astros, rewarding one of the best second basemen, if not the best, that the game has ever seen. From his first game, Altuve has done everything he can to make Houston fans proud and his job will be to continue doing that through 2029.

However, now is when it gets tough for the front office.

Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez are all free agents within the next two years. 

Bregman (2024), Tucker (2025), and Valdez (2025) have all played massive parts in the Astros' dynasty.

Allowing any of them to walk would be a major hit to one of the best teams in baseball

Houston has allowed stars to leave in free agency in the past and have found replacements for them. Most recently, Carlos Correa moved on and they replaced him with Jeremy Pena. While that's an option again, it's not guaranteed that whoever they replace these three stars with will do what Pena's done in his short career.

Mike Lowell of MLB Network says that the next move they need to make is extending Valdez.

"I think Valdez has to be on top of the list because without pitching and you know a guy who's playoff proven and can perform in your hometown, there's value to that."

Lowell then added that owner Jim Crane has a tough job on his hands and he wouldn't want to be in his position.

Valdez, a top-of-the-line starter who has done everything he can for the Astros, might be the cheapest out of the three. Tucker, however, is one of the best hitters in baseball. 

Houston has to hope that one of them is willing to take a pay cut and go from there or else there's a chance all three are on a different team soon.