Astros Set Sights on Superstar Slugger Approaching Free Agency for World Series Push With Altuve

Nearly a fortnight back, Jose Altuve became the only active player in the MLB apart from José Ramírez to achieve 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases. The nine-time All-Star has helped the Houston Astros eliminate the Yankees from the postseason four times. Perhaps the most incredible moment came in 2019, when Altuve hit a walk-off home run off Aroldis Chapman, sending the Astros to the World Series. This year, too, Altuve is chasing yet another World Series title.

In this race, the Astros have emerged as a surprise suitor for a New York Mets star slugger. As Pete Alonso is expected to enter the free agency market this season, the Astros are said to be a serious contender for his bat.

The five-time All-Star and the home run king has loved being a Met all along. However, he’s having a better season than last, and it makes all the sense with the idea of him testing the free agency waters.

The slugger is expected to opt out of the $24 million remaining for 2026. With his impressive set of numbers—30 home runs, 108 RBIs, and a .267 batting average—he will be the most coveted slugger this off-season. Alonso is already getting attention from other teams like the Rangers, Red Sox, Mariners, Yankees, and more.

However, the Astros being in this mix was unexpected. After all, they had already signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal last offseason. But then again, their recent trade for Carlos Correa was proof that they have a willingness to spend big.

From Alonso’s POV, this isn’t his first dramatic free agency. He nearly left the Mets last winter before settling on a short 1+1 deal to stay in Queens. While that kept him with the Mets, it has also set him up for a stronger showing this winter. However, there is another club in the league that could steal the Mets’ $54 million star.

The Giants’ interest in Alonso is a threat for the Astros

The San Francisco Giants came pretty close to landing Pete Alonso last offseason. However, that didn’t really go how they expected. The Mets had re-signed him to a short-term, team-friendly two-year, $54 million deal. Built into that contract, however, was an opt-out. With $24 million left for 2026, Alonso is expected to test the market again.

This time, his case looks stronger than ever. Across 134 games, Alonso has crushed 30 home runs, driven in 108 RBIs, and posted an .861 OPS. That kind of performance makes him one of the top bats available. He’s bound to look far more attractive than he did during his slower stretch last year.

It’ll be an issue for the Astros, as the Giants have already shown they’re not afraid to go aggressive. They’ve pulled stunning deals, starting with the blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers earlier in the season. It gave them a cornerstone at third base. Sliding Alonso into first base while making Devers the regular DH would give the Giants a formidable heart of the lineup.

For a club fighting the Padres and Dodgers in the NL West, this is exactly the kind of bold signing that could close the gap. However, at the same time, Alonso could be central to the Astros’ World Series chase. Let’s see where he eventually lands!