Jose Altuve, the beloved second baseman for the Houston Astros, has signed a five-year contract extension with the team, ensuring that he will likely end his career in Houston. This marks Altuve’s third extension with the Astros, solidifying his place as one of the most accomplished and popular players in the franchise’s history.
The deal, which will begin in 2025 and take Altuve through his age-39 season, is worth $125 million. According to a source, Altuve will earn $30 million each season from 2025-27. While the club did not confirm the exact terms of the deal, Astros owner Jim Crane expressed his excitement about Altuve’s commitment to the team.
“It’s big,” Crane said. “Altuve was here when I got here in 2011. We’re the only two guys that have been here that long. 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.”
Altuve’s journey with the Astros began in 2011 when he made his Major League debut. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of the team’s success, playing a vital role in their two World Series championship victories. Altuve’s dedication to the game and his exceptional skills have earned him numerous accolades, including eight All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, three batting titles, a Gold Glove, and the 2017 AL MVP Award.
In addition to his individual achievements, Altuve has been an integral part of the Astros’ most successful era. The team has made eight postseason appearances, setting a Major League record with seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series. They have also clinched four American League pennants and won two World Series titles. Altuve’s performance in the postseason has been outstanding, with his 27 home runs and 89 runs scored ranking second in AL/NL history. His 117 postseason hits are tied for third.
Despite facing some injury setbacks in recent years, Altuve has continued to excel on the field. In the 2023 season, he played in only 90 games due to two stints on the injured list but still managed to hit .311 with 17 home runs, 14 steals, and 51 RBIs. Altuve’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout his career, and his commitment to the Astros is a testament to his loyalty and dedication to the team and its fans.
With this contract extension, Altuve will have the opportunity to further solidify his place in Astros history. He currently holds several franchise records, including career batting average (.307), hits (2,047), doubles (400), runs (1,062), and stolen bases (293). If he remains a regular player throughout the five years of the extension, Altuve has a chance to join the esteemed 3,000-hit club.
The Astros still have several key players facing free agency in the coming years, including third baseman Alex Bregman, right fielder Kyle Tucker, and left-hander Framber Valdez. Crane acknowledged that each player’s situation is unique and that the team will address their contracts accordingly.
“Every one of these guys is a different situation,” Crane said. “We’ll certainly visit with Bregman when the time comes and move onto the next deal… We’ve got [Tucker] for two more years, so we’re just going to let him play and see how he does.”
As Altuve prepares for the next chapter of his career with the Astros, both the team and its fans can look forward to witnessing his continued greatness on the field. His impact on the franchise extends far beyond his impressive statistics, as he has become a beloved figure in the Houston community. Altuve’s contributions both on and off the field make him the epitome of a true sports icon, and the Astros are fortunate to have him as a cornerstone of their organization.
