Jose Altuve has dedicated himself to the Houston Astros for an impressive 1,749 games, consistently serving as their reliable second baseman.
Yet, in a gesture of solidarity toward a treasured teammate, he is considering a shift in position.
Support for Bregman
During the recent Astros’ FanFest, Altuve voiced his openness to moving to a different position if it would facilitate the return of Alex Bregman, a star free agent still chasing opportunities in the MLB.
He lauded Bregman’s exceptional skills, underscoring how crucial he is not just to the Astros but to the league as a whole.
Altuve made it clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Bregman on their roster.
While speculation has long surrounded Bregman’s potential exit—especially given his pursuit of a high-paying contract that reflects his elite status—there have been fresh conversations indicating that the Astros might still be interested in bringing him back.
Astros’ Offseason Strategy
The situation is layered and complex.
The Astros have planned their offseason with the assumption that Bregman would not return, even sending standout outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, who primarily plays third base.
They also brought in first baseman Christian Walker, signing him to a sizable three-year, $60 million deal, solidifying their infield alongside Altuve, Paredes, and shortstop Jeremy Peña.
What’s interesting is that Paredes has the versatility to play second base, which opens the door for Altuve to possibly transition to another position—maybe even left field.
This adjustment could make room for Bregman’s comeback, forming an intriguing lineup, though it’s not the traditional setup one might expect.
Bregman’s Future
Across the league, Bregman has caught the attention of various teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers.
As he continues to seek a contract that meets his expectations, he might consider a shorter-term deal similar to the one that Matt Chapman secured last season.
Throughout Bregman’s nine years with the Astros, he has racked up a host of achievements, such as two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger award, and two World Series championships.
Should he leave Houston, he would join the ranks of other notable players who have departed in recent years, like Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Gerrit Cole.
As the situation continues to evolve, the prospect of collaboration between Altuve, Bregman, and their teammates generates excitement for the upcoming season, fueling optimism among the Astros’ loyal fanbase.
