The defending World Series champion Houston Astros are about to lock up one of the best players in franchise history on a long-term deal.
According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the two sides are nearing a five-year extension that will pay Altuve a total of $150 million.
“Astros superstar Jose Altuve is close to signing a five-year extension worth $150 million that begins in 2020, MLB.com has learned,” McTaggart reported.
The 5-foot-6 Altuve has been among baseball’s best stories over the past decade. He’s coming off a 2017 campaign that saw him hit .346 with 24 homers, 81 RBI and 32 steals. Altuve, 27, has led the American League in batting three of the past four seasons and is simply one of the best hitters in the game.
His $30 million annual salary will rank among the top-five players in the game. Needless to say, it’s richly deserved.