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Houston Astros’ Extension Issues Take Centre Stage, Impending Free Agency Concerns Impact Texas Team’s Future

Published 03/03/2024, 12:02 PM EST

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Even since Dana Brown made up his mind to get associated with the team Houston Astros, they barely came across several major contract extensions, despite Brown’s gigantic promises. His initial days with the team saw him making oaths of pursuing long-term pacts with the core players of the clubs. But with time, the words faded under the layer of dust, as after thirteen months of his association with the club, he could barely make two major extensions with Cristian Javier and Jose Altuve for five years each.

Now, in the wake of the team’s two glittering stars, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman’s impending free agency days, the fans can’t help but raise speculations about their contract extensions. Though nothing is officially confirmed, the GM’s recent statements have shaded a ray of hope in the Astros’ crowd.

Houston Astros’ GM’s decision to make or break the team

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According to recent rumours, the team is planning extensions for the Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker and third baseman Alex Bregman, who are going to enter the free agent market in 2026 and 2025, respectively. Though, the GM, renowned for not preferring extensions, remarked last spring, “I just don’t know that I have the comfort of going as long as, say, maybe I’ll have to to get Tucker done. I just don’t like big deals,” the team’s recent lean for the athlete’s indicates otherwise.

USA Today via Reuters

However, he also added that the team has yet to make any official offer to the stars. When asked about the same, he remarked, “We want to really get Bregman if we could first, but we do want to talk (about pre-arbitration extensions). That’s what we did in Atlanta,” referring to the pre-arbitration matter, causing enough speculations this season. During his interview on Saturday, he repeatedly emphasized their discussion with the players, indicating an ongoing process concerning their deal extension.

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On the other hand, the right fielder Kyle Tucker also denied any hard offer, keeping relevance with the statement with the team’s general manager. Besides, he stressed his availability for discussion regarding his longer association with his team. The 27-year-old was placed fifth in AL MVP voting with 29 homers in the previous season. His longer association with the team will bring immense value to their team. On the contrary, Bregman, who has been associated with the team since 2019 with a six-year, $100 million deal, slashed  .261/.363/.441 with 25 homers, 98 RBIs and 103 runs in the previous season. Needless to say, both will be the team’s value-added extensions, given their performance in earlier seasons, if the team keeps them on their projected players’ list.

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The Astros are eyeing a few ‘logical players’

Apart from the team’s two biggest projected extensions, a few more names seemingly get favourable consideration from the team authority. Brown’s indication identifies relieved Bryan Abreu and shortstop Jeremy Pena, besides the cynosure Yainer Diaz, who will be scrutinized for his ability as an everyday catcher.

Read More: MLB Rumors: Houston Astros Set for Historic Contract? Alex Bregman Offer Incoming Amidst Crucial Impending Free Agency

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On a similar note, Pena refused to publicize anything about his contract, while on the other hand, Abreu indicated a scope for mutual discussion, stating, We’re always open to listening to anything the team has to offer us.” However, as the team is yet to be transparent about their upcoming associations, fans must keep their fingers crossed until the news breaks.

Read More: 2025 New York Showdown: Mets & Yankees Likely To Fight for Juan Soto & Astros’ Top Player

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Written by:

Sayantika Roy

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Sayantika is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Post her experiences in Web Stories, Sayantika transitioned to a full-time MLB author, actively covering two prime events - 2023-24 Free Agency and 2024 Spring Training. Sayantika developed an interest in the realms of Major leagues when the two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, grabbed the world's attention with his staggering deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Edited by:

Himanshu Sridhar