HOUSTON — Jose Altuve, a revered figure in Astros history and a pivotal member of two World Series-winning squads, is poised to conclude his illustrious career in Houston.
The star second baseman has inked a five-year contract with the Astros, marking his third extension with the franchise. Commencing in 2025, the deal will see Jose Altuve through to his age-39 season. Although the club has not officially disclosed the terms, a source informed MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the agreement amounts to $125 million, with $30 million allocated for each season from 2025-27.
Speaking from the owners’ meetings in Orlando, Astros owner Jim Crane expressed the significance of Jose Altuve’s extended tenure. “It’s big,” Crane remarked. “Altuve was here when I got here in 2011. We’re the only two guys that have been here that long. Not only has he performed well, but to have him hopefully retire here is a big deal for the franchise, and I think it’s a big deal for him and a big deal for the fans, more importantly.”
Jose Altuve’s journey with the Astros traces back to his signing of a four-year, $12.5 million extension in 2013, followed by a lucrative five-year, $151 million deal in March 2018. A press conference featuring Altuve, general manager Dana Brown, manager Joe Espada, and Altuve’s agent, Scott Boras, is scheduled for Wednesday morning at Minute Maid Park to discuss the extension.
The extension comes as Jose Altuve was among four key Astros players facing impending free agency within the next two years. This list includes third baseman Alex Bregman, set to become a free agent after the current season, and outfielder Kyle Tucker and pitcher Framber Valdez, both slated for free agency after the 2025 season.
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Regarding the impending negotiations with Bregman and Tucker, Crane stated, “Every one of these guys is a different situation… We’ve got [Tucker] for two more years, so we’ll let him play and see how he does.”
With Altuve’s original contract set to expire after the current season, the extension ensures his continued presence in the Astros lineup. For the extension, Altuve is poised to amass 19 seasons in an Astros uniform, second only to Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who spent 20 seasons with Houston.
Reflecting on Jose Altuve’s impact, Crane remarked
“He’s just a great human being and a great competitor and he’s great in the community… He’s just the full package and we’re happy we’re able to get it locked up and he’ll hopefully finish his career in Houston.”
Despite a shortened 2023 season due to injuries, Altuve’s contributions remained formidable, with a batting average of .311, 17 home runs, 14 steals, and 51 RBIs. Notably, he achieved his 2,000th career hit and his first career cycle during the season.
Since his Major League debut in 2011, Jose Altuve has etched his name among the franchise’s all-time leaders in multiple categories, including batting average, hits, doubles, runs, stolen bases, and home runs. With 2,047 hits to his credit, Altuve stands poised to potentially join the esteemed 3,000-hit club if he maintains regular play throughout the extension.
Altuve’s tenure with the Astros coincides with the franchise’s most prosperous era, characterized by eight postseason appearances, seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances, four AL pennants, and two World Series titles. Notably, Altuve has excelled on the postseason stage, ranking second in AL/NL history for both home runs and runs scored, with his 117 postseason hits tying for third.
The breadth of Jose Altuve’s career achievements includes eight All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, three batting titles, a Gold Glove, and the 2017 AL MVP Award.
With his legacy deeply intertwined with the Astros franchise, Altuve’s extension solidifies his status as a cornerstone of the team’s past, present, and future.