With free agency fast approaching, there is little to no speculation on the fate of Houston Astros star Jose Altuve. This was confirmed on Friday when the Astros picked up Altuve’s option as well as the option for Marwin Gonzalez. This was first reported by Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle. This keeps the two superstars in the Astros uniform for the year while long-term contracts will most likely be negotiated.
The Astros formally announce they have picked up the options on Jose Altuve and Marwin Gonzalez. (Duh)
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) November 3, 2017
Houston Astros Exercise Jose Altuve, Marwan Gonzalez Options
Jose Altuve Profile
Altuve was an instrumental part of the Astros championship run this year, as well as being a star for the team in his years since arriving. In the 2017 regular season, Altuve played 153 games, and was a machine hitting .346 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI. During the postseason, Altuve hit .310 with 7 home runs and 14 RBI. Altuve has played seven seasons in MLB, all with the Astros. In his career during the regular season, Altuve is hitting .316 with 84 home runs and 403 RBI. For his post-season career, Altuve is hitting .268 with 16 RBI. Altuve is scheduled to make $6 million dollars next year.
Marwin Gonzalez Profile
Gonzalez, who may hit the free agent market after this season, easily had the best season of his career during the Astros championship campaign. During the regular season, Gonzalez hit .303 with 23 home runs and 90 RBI. The Venezuelan, who is set to make $5.125 million this season, was not seen much in the post-season as far as hitting, but his fielding was just as important to the team’s success. Gonzalez has played six years in the majors, all with the Astros. In this time, he has hit .268 with 60 home runs and 224 RBI.
Both of these players are fan favorites in the city of Houston and mean a lot to the team and their success. Astros fans will be happy to have these two back in the orange and navy blue.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 31: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrate with teammate Alex Bregman #2 after both scoring off of a two-run single by Derek Fisher during the eighth inning of a game on August 31, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
