Is Alex Bregman's Tenure With Houston Astros Over After Altuve Extension?

The Houston Astros accomplished one of their main goals this offseason when extending Jose Altuve, but that could have ramifications for another star.

From the beginning of this offseason, there were rumblings the Houston Astros were looking to lock Jose Altuve into an extension that would keep him with the franchise until he retires.

As one of the best players in the team's history, owner Jim Crane felt it was imperative to have him close out his career in an Astros jersey.

They were able to accomplish that goal by giving him a massive five-year extension.

Crane certainly had a complete 180-degree turn from when the offseason began.

Houston was not looking to do much in free agency because they didn't want to go over the luxury tax threshold. That changed after they gave Josh Hader a megadeal.

After that, they decided to get Altuve's contract done.

But while Astros fans are celebrating having their superstar second baseman with the team for the rest of his career, his extension could also signal the end to Alex Bregman's tenure.

The star third baseman is scheduled to reach free agency after this upcoming season.

He's been one of the best players in baseball during his eight-year MLB career, posting a slash line of .274/.373/.487 with 165 home runs, 588 RBI and an OPS+ of 135. His bWAR is also 35.4 because of his stellar performance on the defensive end as well.

Bregman will be highly sought after on the open market during his age 31 season. He'll have plenty of good years left and should be an impact player for whatever team he's with.

That could still be Houston.

But history shows that it won't be.

They've let some of their past great players like George Springer, Carlos Correa and Gerrit Cole hit free agency, getting signed by other teams.

With the Astros handing out the massive extension to Altuve, it seems like they've decided to allow Bregman to hit the open market, just like the other stars in the past.