Projecting Value of Astros Superstar's Future Contract

One former MLB general manager took a pass at determining what this Houston Astros star could get in a new contract.

The Houston Astros want to extend their third baseman, Alex Bregman, into a long-term deal. They want to do the same with Jose Altuve.

Chances are, both want to stay in Houston. The Astros are interested in making Altuve an Astro for life, given his importance to their rise as a franchise and two World Series titles.

Bregman’s deal? Well, it’s baseball and since there is no salary cap, anything is possible. It may be more about the Astros’ comfort financially.

It’s also about what Bregman wants. He is entering the final year of a contract that was for five years and $100 million, so he’ll make $20 million in 2024. He’s entering his age 30 season and his agent is Scott Boras, who tends to get top dollar for his top clients.

By current contract Bregman is seventh in the Majors at the position. The largest contract for any third baseman is San Diego’s Manny Machado, who is getting $350 million over 11 seasons, a deal that he signed before last season.

Can Bregman break the bank like that? Well, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden — a former general manager — is a bit skeptical of that. But, he’s certain Bregman is going to be well-paid:

If I represented Bregman, I’d argue that he should be paid more than (shortstop) Xander Bogaerts, whom the Padres signed to an 11-year, $280 million deal at an older age (30) than Bregman is now. (He turns 30 in March.) The Astros would likely argue that the Bogaerts deal was a “bad” contract and should be ignored, and could counter with Nolan Arenado’s eight-year, $260 million deal.

So, something in the middle, which would be about $270 million? Bowden thinks that’s realistic, with a caveat:

Bregman will probably get something between the two, but I’m not sure the Astros will be the team to give it to him.

Bregman had another quality season with the Astros, slashing 262/.363/.441/.804 with 28 doubles, four triples, 25 home runs and 98 RBI. He’s a career .274 hitter with 165 home runs and 588 RBI.

Bregman is also a piece the Astros could trade, given he’s entering the final year of his contract. He was recently included in a trade scenario that would send him to the New York Yankees.