Altuve finalizes Astro-nomical deal Reigning league MVP inks richest contract in franchise history
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Jose Altuve sat behind a table set up on the field at the Houston Astros’ spring training complex on Monday, and his teammates looked on as the World Series champions announced the second baseman’s seven-year, $163.5 million contract, the longest in team history.
“You made me more nervous, because I don’t like talking in front of a lot of people. You know that,” Altuve said.
Houston finalized a deal on Monday that guaranteed the AL MVP an additional $151 million over five seasons.
“Certainly a fan favorite. Our fans love Jose,” owner Jim Crane said.
“Winner, MVP — what else can you say? He always leads by example. When I talk to the guys in the locker room, everybody is better because of Jose, and he’s a great leader. So, Jose, you’re the heart of the team. We’re happy to have you for the long-term.”
The 27-year-old had been among baseball’s best bargains. In 2013 he agreed to a deal that originally guaranteed $12.5 million from 201417 and included club options for 2018 at $6 million and 2019 at $6.5 million.
His new deal keeps those salaries and adds a $21 million signing bonus, of which $1 million is payable upon the deal’s approval by the commissioner’s office and $10 million each on July 1 in 2018 and 2019.
Altuve will pocket annual salaries of $26 million from 2020-24, and the deal includes a no-trade provision, a hotel suite on road trips and premium stadium seats.
From 2021-24, his salaries in the remainder of the contract would increase by $3 million if he is voted MVP, $2 million if he finishes second and $1 million if he finishes third.
“This a very important day for me,” he said. “It was a priority, because that way it doesn’t take attention from the season.”
Altuve would have been eligible for free agency in 2019. The 5-foot-6 speedster hit .346 last season to win his second straight AL batting title and third in four seasons.
To think that he’s going to be the franchise player for years to come is good for him, good for the organization and obviously good for me as manager.”
AJ Hinch, Astros manager
He had 24 homers, 82 RBIs and 32 stolen bases.
“There’s some stability that comes with writing Jose’s name in the lineup every single day,” manager AJ Hinch said.
“To think that he’s going to be the franchise player for years to come is good for him, good for the organization, and obviously good for me as manager.
“Most importantly, it’s good for his teammates because he’s the most reliable player I’ve ever been around.”
After winning its first World Series title, Houston also hopes to reach more longterm deals. Pitcher Dallas Keuchel and designated hitter Evan Gattis are eligible for free agency after this season.
Houston added pitcher Justin Verlander for its stretch run last fall and Gerrit Cole in a trade during the offseason.
Buchholz joins Royals
• The ice may have finally broken for free-agent pitcher Clay Buchholz, who has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, according to USA Today.
The deal reportedly is for $1.5 million if Buchholz, 33, makes the major-league roster. He can opt out on May 1 if he’s not on the big-league roster by then. There is also $250,000 in incentives in the contract.
A two-time All-Star with the Boston Red Sox over 10 seasons, the right-hander missed almost all of 2017 with a torn flexor tendon in his right arm after Boston traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies before the season started.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks say the groin injury sustained by starter Zack Greinke is not serious. But it is serious enough to cost him one game, at least.
Diamondbacks manager Tory Lovullo said Greinke will not start Opening Day.
A 17-game winner in 2017, the right-handed Greinke reportedly said he felt good following a bullpen session on Sunday and is expected to start on Wednesday against San Francisco.
• New York Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to start the season on the disabled list, manager Aaron Boone said.
Ellsbury, 34, has missed most of spring training due to a strained oblique. He is 1-for10 in four games.
Ellsbury has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons and is slated to be a backup this season with Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner serving as the starters.
Aaron Hicks is the team’s fourth outfielder.
• Top outfield prospect Ronald Acuna was one of six Atlanta Braves players reassigned to minor-league camp.
Acuna, 20, hit .432 with four home runs, 11 RBIs and four stolen bases in 44 spring training at-bats. By sending him to the minors, the Braves can gain an extra year of contractual control before he becomes a free agent if he isn’t called up before April 13.
“We feel like it would probably be best overall, from a philosophical standpoint, to give him more development time,” Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said.