Altuve expresses hope ‘to retire here’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A day before he needed to, Jose Altuve joined the team he never intends to leave. The eight-time All-Star second baseman sported a permanent smile and seemed at ease. He joshed with new teammate José Abreu and barked playfully toward bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte, who surprised him with the first batting practice pitch he saw in spring training.
The face of Houston’s franchise struck the second into foul territory. Line drives to all fields soon followed. Altuve peppered the outfield as he’s known to do, looking nothing like a man who just finished a three-month layoff. The crowd of photographers and patrons doubled in size during the display, all focused on the one man around whom this team is constructed.
Whether he intends it or not, Altuve’s arrival signals the start of another Astros season. Pitchers, catchers and some position players have gathered in Florida for the past four days. None carry Altuve’s cache. As he goes, so do the Astros. The past six seasons prove that. Imagining an Astros team without him is impossible. If Altuve has his way, it won’t happen.
“I’ve been here my whole career, and I hope to retire here,” Altuve said on Sunday, the day before Houston’s position players are required to report. “I think we are on the same page. I’m happy to play with my teammates in Houston (and) for the fans.”
Altuve’s desire is not new. During Houston’s World Series pursuit last October, Altuve said he “absolutely” wanted to finish his career in Houston. The sentiment did not draw much attention — Altuve’s current contract expires after 2024, and there seemed no urgency to modify it.
Dana Brown arrived and injected more importance into the matter. In two of his first three public appearances, Houston’s rookie general manager has stressed the importance of securing Altuve to another long-term deal. Brown’s direct approach is a departure from organizational norms, perhaps a first-year executive attempting to endear himself to a new fan base.
“I’m doing the same right now,” Altuve said. “Going public and telling people I want to stay here.”
On the first day of spring training workouts, Brown said he made agent Scott Boras aware that both Altuve and Alex Bregman “should retire here.” Bregman, like Altuve, is represented by Boras and playing on a contract that expires after next season.
Bregman is four years younger than Altuve and has never publicly declared a desire to play only in Houston. Such statements aren’t necessary and, even if they’re made, can be fickle. Two years ago, Carlos Correa claimed he wanted to be “an Astro for life.”
Altuve exists in a different stratosphere than either player, perhaps one with no other occupants besides Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell. Altuve is the one constant of a franchise’s circuitous path toward a dynasty. Altuve has made an All-Star team during both a 107-loss season and a 106-win one. He endured an excruciating teardown and is now enjoying what it produced.
“It’s been an amazing journey for the whole team,” Altuve said. “It seems like everyone that comes here cares about winning (and) is on the same page. We’re all pulling in the same direction, and I think that’s all that matters.”
Altuve’s current contract does not expire until next season.
Viewing the situation solely through this lens suggests an extension is not a spring training priority. Altuve and Boras could beg to differ.
Altuve finished last season with a 160 OPS+ — his highest since winning American League MVP in 2017. He hit .300 for the first time since 2018. His 18 stolen bases, .953 OPS and .387 on-base percentage were all his highest marks since 2017. His value has ostensibly never been higher. For a man who turns 33 in May, seizing advantage of it seems wise. Asked whether it is important to finish an extension this spring, Altuve deferred.
“The important thing, right now, is we are on the same page,” Altuve said. “They said they want to keep me here. I want to stay here. So I think that’s great for both sides — being on the same page.”
Altuve reiterated something similar to most contract questions he faced. He chose to place more emphasis on the upcoming season. The Astros can be the first franchise to win consecutive World Series titles in 23 years. Altuve sits 65 hits away from 2,000 in a career with one constant: a uniform he never wants to remove.