Astros' Bregman doesn't expect extension offer before season begins

Alex Bregman doesn't expect to receive a contract extension offer from the Houston Astros before the regular season begins, he said Saturday, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

The third baseman, who's set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 campaign, said he's open to listening if the Astros approach his agent, Scott Boras, during the season.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said in February the franchise planned to offer its star third baseman a contract extension but didn't have a timeline.

"We will, at some point, make him an offer," Brown said. "We know how good he is and how good he's been for this franchise. It would be tough to look out at third base and not see that elite defense."

Bregman has played his entire career with the Astros after they selected him second overall in the 2015 draft. He's since become a two-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and All-Star Game MVP.

The 29-year-old has also received MVP votes four times, finishing runner-up to Mike Trout in 2019 when he hit .296/.423/.592 with 41 home runs, 112 RBIs, and a league-leading 119 walks.

Houston extended second baseman Jose Altuve for five years in February, which followed Yordan Alvarez's six-year extension inked in June 2022. The Astros have also had extension talks with outfielder Kyle Tucker but haven't made him an offer.