Jose Altuve, a key figure in the Houston Astros’ success and one of the most accomplished players in the team’s history, has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the franchise. This extension, worth $125 million, will keep Altuve with the Astros through the 2029 season, taking him through his age-39 year. This new deal, which will start in 2025, marks his third extension with the team and reflects his significance to both the franchise and its fans. Astros owner Jim Crane emphasized that having Altuve retire with the team is a major achievement for the franchise and will be meaningful for the community as well.
Altuve has been a fixture in Houston since making his Major League debut in 2011. Prior to this new contract, Altuve had signed two extensions: a four-year, $12.5 million deal in 2013, and a five-year, $151 million contract in 2018. While Altuve is committed to the Astros for the foreseeable future, there are other key players, such as Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez, who are also approaching free agency. Astros management, particularly Crane, has made it clear that while Altuve’s situation is settled, they will continue to evaluate and discuss contracts for the other key players as their free-agent eligibility approaches.
In 2024, Altuve is slated to earn $26 million, making this season the final one before his new extension takes effect. If he plays out the full extension, Altuve will have spent 19 seasons in Houston, just shy of Craig Biggio’s franchise-record 20 seasons. Altuve’s continued presence in Houston will solidify his place among the team’s all-time greats, both on and off the field, with Crane praising his competitive spirit and community involvement.
Though limited to just 90 games in 2023 due to injuries, Altuve still delivered a strong performance, hitting .311 with 17 home runs, 14 steals, and 51 RBIs. His season was interrupted by a thumb injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic and a subsequent oblique strain, but despite these setbacks, Altuve continued to demonstrate his resilience and high level of play. Notably, Altuve achieved significant career milestones in 2023, including recording his 2,000th career hit and hitting for the cycle for the first time in his career.
Altuve’s remarkable career includes eight All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, three batting titles, a Gold Glove, and the 2017 AL MVP Award. He is also a postseason legend, ranking high in career postseason statistics, including second in both home runs and runs scored in AL/NL history. His 117 postseason hits tie him for third place, underscoring his importance in the Astros’ postseason success. Altuve has been a central figure in the franchise’s historic era, which includes four AL pennants and two World Series championships.
