Jose Altuve Willing to Change Positions to Keep Alex Bregman with Astros

Jose Altuve, a staple in the Houston Astros’ infield for over a decade, has made it clear that he is willing to break his 1,749-game streak at second base if it means keeping Alex Bregman on the team. Bregman, one of the top free agents in MLB, has been the subject of much speculation this offseason, with the Astros aiming to retain him despite a busy offseason that has already seen major roster changes.

At the Astros’ annual FanFest, Altuve expressed his commitment to the team and Bregman, saying, “For Alex, I’d do whatever.” He continued, “He’s one of the best players in the whole league, but he’s definitely one of the best players on the team. We want him to stay, so whatever I have to do for him to stay, I’m willing to do it.” This statement highlights the deep team chemistry between the two players and underscores how much Altuve values his long-time teammate.

The Complexity of Re-signing Bregman

The possibility of Bregman returning to the Astros this season seemed unlikely, especially after the team made several offseason moves under the assumption that Bregman would be leaving. The Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, bringing in Isaac Paredes, who has primarily played third base. Additionally, the Astros secured Christian Walker with a three-year, $60 million deal to fill the first base position. With Paredes, Altuve, and Jeremy Peña already in place, the team has a solid infield, and Bregman’s return would require some adjustments.

Position Changes for Bregman’s Return

If Bregman decides to come back to Houston, it could force a significant reshuffling of positions. While Paredes has experience at second base, Jose Altuve could potentially move to left field to make room for Bregman at third. Although this arrangement may not be ideal, it could be the Astros’ best option to retain Bregman’s talent.

The Astros’ flexibility, however, may not be enough to outbid other teams. Several top contenders, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers, have also shown interest in signing Bregman. Despite this competition, the possibility of a short-term deal similar to Matt Chapman’s contract last year could still be an avenue for Bregman to return to Houston.

Bregman’s Legacy with the Astros

Alex Bregman has been an integral part of the Astros’ success over the past nine seasons. Throughout his career, he has earned two All-Star nods, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger, and two World Series rings. His impact on the field and leadership in the clubhouse have made him a beloved figure in Houston. If this offseason marks the end of Bregman’s time with the Astros, he will join a growing list of former Astros stars, including Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Gerrit Cole.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the Astros are still hopeful that Bregman will choose to return, with Jose Altuve leading the charge in making the necessary adjustments to accommodate his longtime teammate.