The Houston Astros got eliminated from the MLB playoffs by the Detroit Lions

• LW

Alex Bregman, a cornerstone of the Houston Astros’ success over the years, may have played his final game with the team following their early exit from the 2024 MLB playoffs.

The Astros were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the best-of-three , leaving many wondering about the future of the star third baseman, who is set to become a free agent.

Is Alex Bregman testing the free agency waters?

After the game, Bregman took to social media, posting a simple yet poignant message on his X account: “Thank you Houston.”

While this could be a note of gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the season, some believe it might signal a farewell as he prepares to explore his next steps in free agency.

Bregman’s future with the Astros remains uncertain.

At 30 years old, and despite a relatively down year by his standards, there will likely be a strong market for his talents.

The two-time World Series champion (2017, 2022) finished the season with a .260 average, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs, along with a career-low .768 OPS.

While these numbers aren’t reflective of the peak MVP form he displayed in 2018 and 2019, Bregman remains a significant presence at the plate, as evidenced by his 74 home runs over the past three seasons.

Could Bregman become Astros’ highest earning player in history?

Astros General Manager Dana Brown has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Bregman, but the reality is that negotiations with a player of his caliber are never simple.

Bregman is expected to command a substantial contract, potentially the largest in Astros’ franchise history.

Comparisons have been drawn to Matt Chapman’s recent six-year, $151 million deal with the Giants, and Bregman, who is younger and a more consistent hitter, could be aiming for even more.

Jose Altuve, a long-time teammate and friend of Bregman, is one of the most vocal advocates for his return.

“We’re not going to be the same organization without him,” Altuve said after the Astros’ elimination.

“In my mind, there’s not a chance this is the last one.”

Altuve, who himself signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2018, hopes the organization will make a similar investment in keeping Bregman.

While Bregman has largely avoided discussing his contract situation, he did acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding his future.

“I haven’t really had a chance to process this,” he said after the Astros’ final game, emphasizing his initial focus was on the playoffs.

Whether Bregman remains in Houston or moves on to a new chapter in his career will depend on how negotiations unfold in the coming months

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With other stars like Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez also nearing the end of their arbitration years, the financial commitments to keep this core together will be substantial.

For now, Astros fans are left to speculate whether Bregman’s message of thanks was a moment of reflection-or a farewell.