MLB Rumors: Alex Bregman, Astros Not Close on Contract Extension; Will Be FA in 2025

The Houston Astros and infielder Alex Bregman aren't close to a contract extension, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Bregman is currently playing on a six-year contract that he signed with Houston in 2019 and is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season. Per Heyman, the "belief" is that the Astros would prefer to keep any future extension in the range of five to six years.

The 30-year-old has spent all nine seasons of his career in Houston.

On March 23, he told the media that he didn't expect an offer from the front office prior to Opening Day. Bregman added that he'll allow his agent, Scott Boras, to negotiate with the team during the season if there is interest (per Chandler Rome of The Athletic).

Astros general manager Dana Brown confirmed that the front office had not talked to the veteran about a potential extension when speaking to reporters on March 28. However, he didn't completely rule out an agreement being reached during the regular season.

"At some point we will have some discussions with Bregman and make him an offer," Brown said, via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Although both sides initially appeared to be open to working on an extension, it doesn't seem that there was any progress made after seven regular-season games. Bregman has gotten off to a slow start in 2024, recording just five hits and one RBI in 29 plate appearances.

It's still too early to panic, as he's coming off a strong season in 2023. He racked up 25 home runs in 161 games, marking the fourth season of his career in which he surpassed 20 homers. He also accumulated 98 RBIs, hitting .262 with a .363 on-base percentage.

Bregman could get back on track soon, although it may not be enough to keep him from entering free agency at the end of the season.