“José Altuve will be an Astro for life,” said the Astros’ social media announcement that Altuve signed a long-term deal. The new deal will keep him with the club through the 2029 season. Altuve, 33, will play his 13th major league season in 2024. The club and the second-baseman signed a five-year extension on Tuesday that virtually guarantees he will finish his career with the Houston Astros.
Second baseman Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a five-year, $125 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Altuve was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain with the team for which he has played since his debut in 2011.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 6, 2024
Astros Break Bank on José Altuve
An Astro for Life
Jose Altuve will be an Astro for life. pic.twitter.com/ndPHz1lP7E
— Houston Astros (@astros) February 6, 2024
The deal is worth $125 million, which will carry Altuve through his age-39 season. He had been heading into the final season of his contract with the team prior to heading into free agency. If he follows the Astros throughout the rest of his career, he will stand in unique company as a player who spent his entire career with one team. The Astros signed the 5-foot 6-inch player out of Venezuela in 2007.
News came as a nice treat to Astros fans, but maybe only partially as a surprise. Astros’ general manager Dana Brown has spoken about his desire to lock up long-term players like Altuve since he was hired last season. Altuve himself has not been shy about his desire to remain with the club throughout the rest of his career.
During spring training last season, Altuve began expressing his desire to remain an Astro moving forward, ” I’m 32, and I want to play to 40. I love what I’m doing right now.. love my game and I enjoy my game.” He also expressed his wish to repeat what his predecessor, Craig Biggio, had done and remain until his retirement, but knew that the decision ultimately came down to ownership.
The Face of the Astros
The 2017 MVP, Altuve, was a crucial part of the Astros teams that secured the World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. Additionally, he has served as one of the faces of the Houston franchise, even throughout the sign-stealing scandal from the 2017 season. His ability to weather that storm and continue to put up Hall of Fame statistics secured his spot on the squad moving forward.
Altuve holds a number of Astros records. These include a .307 batting average, 400 doubles, 1,062 runs, and 293 stolen bases. Additionally, he places third in hits with 2,047 and fifth in home runs with 209. Following a lengthy stint on the injury list, he slashed .311/.393/.522 with 17 homers covering 90 games in 2023. His career batting average is the highest of any active player with at least 2,000 at-bats.
Altuve and the Postseason
While Altuve brings an impressive back to the field, some of his most prominent work has come during the post-season. In 103 playoff games, Altuve has slapped 27 home runs and scored 89 runs, both second all-time. His 117 hits are tied for third. Plus, he is one of only four players in postseason history to surpass 100 hits and 50 RBI, along with Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Manny Ramirez.
Altuve’s new deal will garner him a $15 million signing bonus. He will then receive salaries of $30 million in 2025-2027, followed by $10 million each in 2029 and 2030.
