Altuve agrees to a five-year agreement, making him a “Lifetime Astro.”

One of the most successful and well-liked players in Astros history, Jose Altuve was a key member of two World Series winning teams and will probably finish his career in Houston.

This is the talented second baseman’s third contract extension with the Houston Astros after he signed to a five-year deal on Tuesday. Beginning in 2025, the contract will cover Altuve through his season at age 39.

A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the deal is worth $125 million, which includes $30 million each season from 2025 to 2027. The conditions of the agreement were not verified by the club.

Jim Crane, the owner of the Astros, told MLB.com during the owners’ meetings in Orlando, “It’s big.” “In 2011, Altuve was present when I arrived.

The two of us are the only guys who have spent that much time here.

In addition to his strong play, the organization is excited about the prospect of his retiring here. Perhaps more significantly, though, are the fans and him.

In March 2018, Altuve signed a five-year, $151 million contract with the Astros, having previously signed him to a four-year, $12.5 million pact in 2013.

At a press conference Wednesday morning at Minute Maid Park, Altuve, general manager Dana Brown, manager Joe Espada, and Altuve’s agent, Scott Boras, will talk about the contract.

Four important Astros players, including Altuve, were set to become free agents in the next two years. Alex Bregman, a third baseman who will be a free agency following this season, is on that list.

After the 2025 season, two-time All-Stars, right fielder Kyle Tucker and left-hander Framber Valdez, will be available as free agents.

Crane stated, “Everyone of these guys is in a different situation.” “When the time comes, we will undoubtedly meet with Bregman and proceed with the next transaction. We’re just going to let Tucker play and see how he does since we have him for another two years.

Altuve’s salary for this season, which would have been his final one before becoming a free agent, is set at $26 million. Should he fulfil the terms of the deal, Altuve would have played with the Astros for 19 seasons altogether. Only Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who spent 20 seasons with Houston, would come in front of that.

Crane described him as “just a great human being, a great competitor, and a great member of the community.” “He’s the whole package, and we’re glad we were able to resolve it. Hopefully, he’ll play his last games in Houston.”

Despite playing in just 90 games in 2023—his fewest in a full season since his rookie year—due to two spells on the injured list, Altuve still managed to hit.

311 with 17 home runs, 14 steals, and 51 RBIs. After undergoing surgery to fix a fractured thumb he sustained when he was hit by a pitch during the World Baseball Classic, he missed the first 43 games of the regular season. In July, he missed 17 games due to a left oblique strain.

On August 19 at Minute Maid Park, he recorded his 2,000th career hit against the Mariners. On August 28 at Fenway Park, he recorded his first career cycle.

After making his Major League debut in 2011, Altuve is now among the franchise’s all-time leaders in a number of categories 13 years later. In terms of career batting average, he leads with a.307; in terms of hits (2,047), doubles (400), runs (1,062), and stolen bases (293); in terms of home runs (209), he is ranked third.

With 2,047 hits on his career record, Altuve has a chance to join the elite 3,000-hit club if he stays consistent across the five-year agreement.

With eight playoff appearances, a Major League record seven straight appearances in the American League Championship Series, four American League pennants, and two World Series titles, he has been the driving force behind the Astros’ most successful era in history.

With 27 home runs and 89 runs scored in the postseason, which ranks second in AL/NL history, Altuve has been at his best. He is tied for third place with 117 postseason hits.

In addition, Altuve has won three batting crowns, a Gold Glove, six Silver Slugger Awards, eight All-Star appearances, a Gold Glove, and the 2017 AL MVP Award.

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