Not to look too far ahead, but the Houston Astros will soon be facing a crucial decision regarding star third baseman Alex Bregman.
The 30-year-old Bregman is one of the faces of the organization and has been a pivotal figure in the Astros recent string of sustained success.
On this date five years ago Alex Bregman hit his 1st career walk off home run to send the Astros to a 7-6 victory against the Blue Jays. The pitcher: Ryan Tepera. pic.twitter.com/A246ScQ8iD
— 🏆🔥 ⚾️ 2X WS CHAMP COCKENHEIMER ⚾️🔥 🏆 (@astros_dude) June 27, 2023
Represented by the infamous Scott Boras, Bregman is poised to test the free-agent market when his contract expires at the end of this season.
With two World Series titles since 2015 and consistent deep playoff runs, the Astros have maintained their standing as one of the top franchises in baseball. (Imagine saying that 15 years ago?)
"Next year's Scott Boras class includes Juan Soto, Pete Alonso & Alex Bregman"
If you're expecting a scared Scott Boras next offseason, think again, says @Ken_Rosenthal
▶️ https://t.co/l0dOyR1GAc pic.twitter.com/J6pf94PU1H
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 6, 2024
Sustaining this level of success comes at a significant cost, with Bregman now in line for a substantial contract extension.
According to reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros may need to offer Bregman a staggering $300 million over 10 years to keep him in Houston.
"The Houston Astros plan to talk to third baseman Alex Bregman about a contract extension before he hits free agency, but aren’t expected to come close to the $300 million over 10 years it likely will take to keep him from testing the market." https://t.co/qd1HyOItw8
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) April 1, 2024
Bregman’s consistency and performance make him a valuable asset to the Astros, but the team’s current payroll situation complicates negotiations.
Ranked third in MLB in total and sixth in active 26-man roster payroll, the Astros are already committing substantial resources to maintain their winning core.
Area 45's @ShaunBijani and @PCreighton1 react to MLB @AudacySports insider @BNightengale reporting it would likely take $300 million over 10 years to keep Alex Bregman.
🎧 https://t.co/yiOWfBUp3N pic.twitter.com/XkRPnJ1SeD
— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) February 13, 2024
The Astros general reluctance to commit to long-term, decade-spanning contracts poses a challenge.
Bregman is off to a relatively slow start to this season, and at 30-years-old isn’t getting any younger.
Is he truly deserving of a $300 million contract???
It’s not even about the money as much as it is the years … We all know how ugly these types of deals play out. Anything over eight years makes you cringe no matter how great the player.
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WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES ALEX BREGMAN pic.twitter.com/v95AmZ5f2t— ball knower (@ohtanienjoyer50) April 7, 2024
Will Bregman end up getting a $300 million offer from the Astros? Or any team for that matter?
How many more top-level years does he have left in the tank?
As far as the Astros, what are your thoughts on their current World Series window???
Alex Bregman is discussing what he is currently working on. We live in a world with more information than ever, but less wisdom. We are so blessed to be able to listen to the best discuss their process. pic.twitter.com/iXAMiAkZWJ
— Xen Penny (@XenPenny) January 20, 2024