The Houston Astros wrapped up their 2024 season on Wednesday, losing to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series. Following the game, it appears that two-time All-Star Alex Bregman may have played his last game in an Astros uniform.
Bregman shared a brief message on X (formerly Twitter) that simply read, “Thank you Houston.” Is that all? While it doesn’t definitively signal the end of his time with the team, it certainly doesn’t inspire much hope for fans as they head into the offseason.
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is set to become a free agent this offseason
Houston’s third baseman, Alex Bregman, might have simply been expressing gratitude for the fans’ support throughout the season. However, with his free agency looming right after the World Series, many fans can’t help but wonder if this was a farewell. While there’s always a chance the Astros front office could negotiate a contract extension with Bregman, it appears unlikely. His contract situation has been contentious since the end of the 2023 season. Both Bregman and fellow infielder José Altuve entered spring training facing free agency, but only Altuve secured an extension.
Altuve has publicly advocated for Bregman, even saying after Houston’s Game 2 loss that he believes Bregman will remain the Astros’ third baseman next season. While it’s encouraging to see Altuve support his teammate, the reality is that with Bregman so close to free agency, it’s improbable that Houston will finalize a new deal before he explores the open market.
Jose Altuve’s appeals to Astros management may not be sufficient to ensure Alex Bregman remains in Houston
Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, is known for guiding his clients into free agency to secure the best possible deals. While there are rare instances, like last spring with Altuve, where Boras has successfully brokered long-term contracts before a player hits the open market, the outlook for Bregman may be different.
If this is indeed Bregman’s last season in Houston, he leaves behind a treasure trove of memories for Astros fans. Drafted second overall in the 2015 MLB Draft, Bregman played a pivotal role in the Astros’ return to the postseason in 2017, contributing to multiple AL West championships and two World Series titles.
As free agency approaches next month, the Astros are expected to make a formal offer to Bregman. However, Astros fans are no strangers to uncertainty and should prepare for the possibility of seeing Bregman in a different uniform come 2025.
