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Astros Notes: Extensions, Hader, Pressly, McCullers

By Nick Deeds | January 20, 2024 at 4:19pm CDT

While the Astros prepare for the 2024 season, star infielders Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman are headed into the final years of their contracts, with free agency looming next winter. As relayed by The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Houston GM Dana Brown recently made clear that the club has not had extension discussions with either player this winter. The same goes for outfielder Kyle Tucker, who Rome adds recently indicated that he and the club did not discuss a long-term extension before agreeing to a $12MM salary for the 2024 season to avoid arbitration earlier this month. This winter marked Tucker’s penultimate trip through arbitration, and he’ll be eligible for free agency following the 2025 season.

That the team has not yet broached possible extension talks with any of the aforementioned trio is something of a surprise. Houston has leaned heavily on extensions to keep its core together since the team first returned to contention back in 2015. Over the past six years, the Astos have handed out extensions to Altuve, Bregman, Ryan Pressly (in both 2019 and 2022), Justin Verlander, Yordan Alvarez, Cristian Javier, and Lance McCullers Jr. that extended the team’s window of control over each player.

With that being said, it’s worth noting that an unusually slow offseason has left the baseball world still in the thick of free agency, which could serve as a complicating factor in potential extension talks. Such discussions, particularly those for players like Altuve and Bregman who are not under control via arbitration, are often held once Spring Training begins. Last spring, Astros brass expressed a desire to work out deals with each of Altuve, Bregman, Tucker, Javier, and Framber Valdez, though the aforementioned Javier extension was the only one that ultimately got done. While it’s certainly possible that any of the trio could begin extension negotiations with the club after reporting to camp next month, each is a multi-time All Star coming off a strong season at the plate and could prove expensive to lock in long-term when free agency is just over the horizon.

More notes from Houston…

  • Now that the Astros have agreed to a five-year deal to bring star closer Josh Hader to Houston it seems as though Pressly, who has served as the club’s closer in each of the past four seasons, may be moving out of that role. Rome notes, however, that both Brown and manager Joe Espada discussed the situation with the 35-year-old veteran in the days leading up to their agreement with Hader. Each said that the conversation with Pressly went well, adding that he’s “all in” for his new role in the club’s bullpen as a premiere set-up option to Hader alongside youngster Bryan Abreu. Pressly posted a solid 3.58 ERA and 3.36 FIP while striking out 27.6% of batters faced last season, while Abreu dominated opposing hitters with a 34.8% strikeout rate and a 1.75 ERA in 72 appearances. Adding Hader to the mix figures to give Houston perhaps the most fearsome back-end trio in any bullpen around the league entering the 2024 campaign.
  • Rome also relayed an update on the status of McCullers, who underwent flexor tendon surgery back in June. McCullers has progressed to the point of throwing off flat ground from 80 feet away and noted that he’s feeling good, though when asked about his timetable for return suggested that a feasible timeline could involve him returning sometime during the late summer. With three years remaining on the contract extension the righty signed prior to the 2021 season, the deal hasn’t gone how either side was hoping to this point. While he’s pitched to a strong 3.16 ERA and 3.55 FIP with a 26.3% strikeout rate since the ink dried on the pact, he’s made just 47 starts across the past three seasons and appears ticketed for another season spent primarily on the shelf in 2024. Until McCullers returns to action, the club figures to rely on some combination of Jose Urquidy, Hunter Brown, and J.P. France to fill out the rotation alongside Verlander, Valdez, and Javier.
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Houston Astros Notes Alex Bregman Jose Altuve Josh Hader Kyle Tucker Lance McCullers Jr. Ryan Pressly

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View Comments (38)
Post a Comment

38 Comments

  1. Slow day at work

    1 year ago

    They better extend Bregman and Altuve… to keep the Trashtros name going

    7
    Reply
    • Rocker49

      1 year ago

      Unfortunately that name only applies to Beltran and Cora, you know, the 2 who came up with the whole idea and implemented everything.

      16
      Reply
      • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

        1 year ago

        Barf…
        you eat the same food over and over again, you barf
        I’m barfing.

        4
        Reply
        • slidepiece

          1 year ago

          Obviously Curly was an imbecile

          3
          Reply
      • saluelthpops

        1 year ago

        Right. The guys who actually participated have zero responsibility here. Grow up.

        8
        Reply
      • Wrian Washman

        1 year ago

        Right and those who willingly complied and carried out the schemes? I would love to see that fly in court. “Your honor I can’t be guilty it wasn’t even my idea”

        6
        Reply
      • ChetLemonaid

        1 year ago

        If you don’t think the players were complicit, you shouldn’t have internet access.

        1
        Reply
      • texgal01

        1 year ago

        I agree I put it more with Beltran and Cora. The other players just fell for their tactics. I still question that WS win compared to 2022 but who knows.

        Reply
    • coupofthecentury

      1 year ago

      @slow’s 9/11 was when the Astros won it again in 2022

      1
      Reply
  2. steven st croix

    1 year ago

    Hader, Presley, Abreu. Good luck they went from being a top 10 team to top 5 with 1 signing.

    3
    Reply
  3. User 2161944466

    1 year ago

    Altuve will turn 34 during this season and is already pulling in 30 million a year. . What’s a realistic extension look like? 35/5? Dare I say 40/5?

    Reply
    • mlb fan

      1 year ago

      Name the last 34 year old player to get a 5 year extension? I’m thinking 2 or 3 years at 30M/yr should work.

      4
      Reply
  4. clubberlang

    1 year ago

    Can’t see Altuve in a different Jersey. Bregman either. Tucker will probably be the one that leaves.

    Reply
    • cpdpoet

      1 year ago

      Man IDK, @75% of these guys have zero marketable skills after father time reaps them? Just read that Wander Franco (yeah I know verboten example) was pulled out of school @12 to focus on baseball?
      And honestly, don’t follow houston enough to know where these guys long term plans fall. Do they desire the “one franchise” distinction or do they just grab the bag?

      Myself, I’d go the Steve Carlton route. (minus all the very off post retire comments)…. 1/3 for the money and 2/3’s for the “this is the best life ever” feelings…..

      2
      Reply
      • TrumboRedux

        1 year ago

        Poet, If my parents would have allowed it, I would have pulled myself out of school at 6 to play baseball. What else is there to learn after 5 anyway??

        5
        Reply
        • TrumboRedux

          1 year ago

          If you add in “the occassional burger and taco” to the list I can concur with you entirely.

          2
          Reply
        • TrumboRedux

          1 year ago

          And sometimes SAUCED!

          Reply
  5. ❤️ MuteButton

    1 year ago

    I think the fact that everybody has been silent is not a good indicator. There may be some internal friction that the players or management would never speak of publicly. There’s always trouble in paradise.

    2
    Reply
  6. LordD99

    1 year ago

    They’ll overpay for Altuve as he enters his decline years. Feels like Bregman and Tucker will be gone. A rebuild seems in the cards post 2024.

    4
    Reply
    • TrumboRedux

      1 year ago

      LordD, Altuve might not even feel like playing anywhere else. He might take a nice hometown discount so maybe the overpay will be negligible.

      4
      Reply
    • Go Go Power Rangers

      1 year ago

      I’d bet on Bregman declining before Altuve

      4
      Reply
      • TrumboRedux

        1 year ago

        Hard to say. They both got a lot of gas left in the tank I think.

        Reply
  7. Juggy

    1 year ago

    Yes, Astros would be idiots to sign Altuve at his age making $30 million a year. He’s definitely not worth that as for Bregman he’s done too.

    2
    Reply
    • Astros_fan_in_Aus

      1 year ago

      Clearly you don’t watch them play.

      7
      Reply
  8. nailz#4life

    1 year ago

    Bregman to TOR for Biggio and a prospect Relief pitcher. This could be a fun trade.

    Reply
    • TrumboRedux

      1 year ago

      Better send a bit more than that Nailz or they hang up the phone pretty quick. At least one more warm body..

      3
      Reply
  9. thomasg1951

    1 year ago

    Bregman is working hard in the off season to have a great year going int free agency. He will be a free agent to pay for race horses.
    Trucker is no going to sign. He has a higher opinion of himself than the team. Even if he only hustles when he wants. Plus his throws are off now.
    I hope Altuve comes back on a 4-5 contract.

    3
    Reply
    • Orbit

      1 year ago

      Agreed. I’m a lifelong Astros fan, but outside of Carlos Lee, I don’t think there’s been an Astro I like less.

      Yes, I understand he puts up good numbers but his body language and the way he plays so seemingly lethargic, he drives me crazy. It’s always like he doesn’t want to be on that team and I firmly believe he will be gone as soon as he can. And good riddance, tbh. Spend that money on someone else that at least acts like he wants to be there.

      His terrible playoff performance this past season on top of what I can’t stand about him already, I’m done with him.

      3
      Reply
      • Tigers3232

        1 year ago

        @Orbit, he won a Gold Glove in 2022 and finished top 5 in MVP voting last season. But hey some nobody fan doesn’t care for his body language. What an ignorant take on your behalf…

        Reply
        • Orbit

          1 year ago

          Didn’t I cover that in the post I made? I understand all that. I’m nobody. Just like you.

          His numbers are great. Fantastic. Doesn’t mean that I have to love the way he plays the game.

          1
          Reply
        • Tigers3232

          1 year ago

          If Kyle Tucker’s play is indicative of a player who doesn’t want to be there, teams should be looking for more players who want to play elsewhere.

          Reply
  10. astros_fan_84

    1 year ago

    I’m a little surprised the Astros are moving Pressly out of the closer role. No question that Hader is better, but, if I was the manager, I’d rather have Hader and Abreu to mix and match for the 7th and 8th.

    The Astros have been looking for an impact lefty reliever for over a decade. If Hader is going to be the 9th inning only guy, I don’t think this solves that problem.

    I’m still thrilled to sign him, but I think it’s fair to question usage.

    1
    Reply
    • Astrosfn1979

      1 year ago

      Hader’s contract pays him $1M if he wins the Mariano Rivera RP of the year award. That award does not go to 7th and 8th inning guys.

      If they gave him that deal then did not allow him to close, any and all future players in contract negotiations would be wary and turned off.

      Reply
      • stymeedone

        1 year ago

        Did they give Pressly a similar clause?

        Reply
      • astros_fan_84

        1 year ago

        In general, the Astros get overlooked for major awards ever since the scandal.

        1
        Reply
  11. texgal01

    1 year ago

    Myself I think Altuve should finish career here. Bregman can walk. If he gets better this season. Yes Breggy is great at third for us but do not see him with a strong hold here. Tucker I cannot say. We could need a full outfield soon. Chas and Meyers not great. I give Chas better chance but not huge. Our rotation will need a rebuild if Framber and Javier struggle. McCullers most likely gone good chunk of season again. What will he have when returns. Bullpen or will he be a back end starter. Garcia if he has a chance at seeing time or not. So we could be players for something at deadline if in hunt. Abreu at first, Peña at SS will he get back into game. Diaz will he be all the hype and how will pitchers work with him. Will Caratini be used with all or just a pitcher. Houston could come out surprise.

    1
    Reply
  12. gtb1

    1 year ago

    Astros have done well jettisoning players at the right time – Correa, Springer and Verlander most recently. Bregman seems to be preparing for a big contract somewhere else. Hope he has a great year. Tucker is an enigma. His personality is not Johnny Hustle and his long swing remains dependent on youthful fast twitches. He may not age well. Crane has been masterful at assembling talent and I don’t see a rebuild in our future. Altuve should retire in an Astros uniform. Would love to see one more quality starter. Want to love McCullers but he’s proven he can’t be counted on. Bundle up his potential and a box of double bubble for whatever prospect or starter you can get so he can focus on the hospitality industry where he may excel. Bring back Stanek and our bullpen will be the best in baseball.

    1
    Reply
  13. Surly_03

    1 year ago

    Before:
    Pressly / Abreu / Neris / Montero / Stanek / Maton

    Now:
    Hader / Pressly / Abreu / Montero / Coleman / ???

    Coleman is the new Stanek? (Sousa or Ortega or Blanco or Whitley will be the new Maton?)

    Reply

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