Houston: Within the Astros’ clubhouse, nobody’s remarks are more respected than those of second baseman Jose Altuve, a 14-year veteran and unquestionable leader of Houston.

After the team’s 5-2 elimination loss to the Tigers in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Altuve acknowledged that the team would likely lose another key player and that they would need to find a way to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, who is expected to become a free agent.

If Bregman didn’t return the following season, Altuve declared that he would be “heartbroken.”

He remarked, “I don’t want to think about my last game with Breggy.” “He’s going to be our third baseman for sure next season,” I said. We must. Without him, our organization won’t be the same. I don’t think this is going to be the final game.

 

The only player to address the team following Wednesday’s defeat was Bregman, who praised his teammates’ perseverance.

 

Pitcher Justin Verlander called him “one of the most impressive baseball minds and competitors I’ve been around in this game.” Simply the best teammate there is. He sees everything, and he never stops trying to make the people around him better. To be honest, I have nothing but praise for him.

This year, that run came to an end, and Bregman is expected to be among the best free agents available.

 

Altuve stated, “The entire organization changed in a better direction since the day he got here.” “He greatly improved this team. As I mentioned before, there is a good likelihood that he will remain and even retire here.

Bregman is ranked eighth in runs (694), ninth in RBIs (663), sixth in home runs (191), seventh in doubles (265), and eleventh in hits (1,132) on the Astros’ all-time hitting lists. With 19 postseason home runs in his career, he is tied for sixth place.

“I made my debut against the Yankees when I was 21 years old, and I’ve been to the ALCS every year save for this one,” he remarked. “I’ve loved every second of this enjoyable experience. Being here has been an honor, and I do not take it for granted.

According to those close to him, Bregman wants to stay in Houston, the city where his wife was born. Astros general manager Dan Brown stated that he intends to discuss an extension with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, following the season.

Bregman responded, “I hope so,” when asked if he would like to return. “We’ll observe the situation. I’ll delegate that to Scott and the group. It’s free agency, of course, and I’ve never truly felt that before.

Before this season, Altuve inked a five-year, $125 million deal extension that guaranteed he would play out his career in Houston. In recent years, the Astros have lost key players in free agency, including Carlos Correa, Gerrit Cole, and George Springer. However, the squad has kept winning, making up for those losses mostly with home victories.