Astros Star ‘Willing To Do Whatever’ For Alex Bregman To Stay In Houston
Astros general manager Dana Brown recently referred to Alex Bregman’s return to Houston as a “long shot.”
However, Jose Altuve isn’t ready to see Bregman leave the Astros, and he’s willing to give up his position to make it happen.
The longtime second baseman said at the Astros’ FanFest on Saturday that he’s willing to shift to left field if it will help the team re-sign Bregman.
“For Alex, I’d do whatever, “Altuve told reporters at Daikin Park. “He’s one of the best players in the whole league and 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.”
When asked if he’s ever played the outfield, Altuve jokingly quipped: “Have you seen me?”
“I want to win and he’s going to be a guy that’s going to make this team better,” Altuve added. “We have a better chance to win a championship with him. That’s my answer. I’m willing to do whatever for him to stay.
“I said it at the end of the season, said it in the offseason, we need to bring him back. He’s a big part of this team. … As a teammate, I want him back, and hopefully, we can make something happen for him.”
Negotiations between the All-Star infielder and Houston reportedly resumed this week, more than a month after the team declared an intention to move on. Manager Joe Espada said he would “love to have him back.”
The Red Sox are viewed as the favorite to sign Bregman, but there’s interest from other clubs, like the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, the longer things play out.