ALABAMA - José Altuve, one of the most important players in Houston Astros history, reached a deal "for life," as the Venezuelan second baseman signed a five-year extension that will see him play for the franchise until he is 39 years old.
Jose Altuve will be an Astro for life. pic.twitter.com/ndPHz1lP7E
— Houston Astros (@astros) February 6, 2024
Altuve, a 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) infielder known as 'Gigante' (Giant), is entering his 14th season with the Astros and has spent his entire career with the franchise. If he sees his whole contract through, he could finish with 19 seasons under his belt, second-most in franchise history behind Craig Biggio's 20.
Astros owner Jim Crane told MLB.com that "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."
Most seasons played for the Houston Astros - All-time
PLAYER
Craig Biggio
Jeff Bagwell
Terry Puhl
Bob Watson
José Altuve
SEASONS
20
15
14
14
13
HR
291
449
62
139
209
Altuve has been part of the most successful period in the history of the franchise. In his 13 seasons with the ballclub, the Astros have seen eight postseason appearances, a record seven consecutive trips to the ALCS, four American League pennants and two World Series titles.
Altuve has been one of the keys for the Astros postseason fortunes, as his 27 homeruns in postseason play are second all-time only behind Manny Ramírez' 29. Four of Altuve's 27 homers have come in World Series games.
Altuve is tied for the MLB record of homeruns in a single postseason game as he turned in a three-homer performance in Game 1 of the 2017 ALDS against the Red Sox.
According to reports, this new 5-year, $125 million deal will see Altuve make $30 million each season from 2025-27. He was scheduled to make $26 million ahead of the 2024 season, which would have been his last before reaching free agency.
Altuve's extensions is one of four key contract the Astros will need to sort out in the next two years before key players head to free agency. Third baseman Alex Bregman is out of contract by the end of next season, while right fielder Kyle Tucker and left-handed Framber Váldez are set to become free agents after the 2025 season.
In just 13 years in the majors, Altuve has asserted himself as one of the best and most clutch batters in all of MLB. His career batting average is the highest of any active player with at least 2,000 plate appearances (.307).
On top of his two World Series and countless postseason moments, the Venezuelan has also racked up plenty of personal awards. He was voted as the American League MVP in 2017 ahead of Aaron Judge, has eight All-Star selections to his name and three batting titles, along to his 2,047 hits, 293 stolen bases and 209 homers.
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