Altuve: 'No chance' this is Bregman's final game with the Astros

HOUSTON – No one's words carry more weight in the Astros' clubhouse than 14-year veteran second baseman Jose Altuve, Houston's unquestioned leader.

Altuve said he would be “heartbroken” if Bregman didn't return next year.

“I don't want to think about my last game with Bregi,” he said. “I'm pretty confident he's going to be our third baseman next year. we have to We are not going to be the same organization without him. In my mind, there's no way this will be the last game.”

That sentiment was echoed in other corners of the clubhouse, where Bregman's teammates praised his leadership and what he meant to the Astros. Bregman was the only player to speak to the team after Wednesday's loss, praising his teammates for their resilience.

“One of the most impressive baseball minds, competitors I've ever been around in the game,” pitcher Justin Verlander said. “Just the ultimate teammate. He sees everything, he's always doing what he can to help everyone around him get better. … Honestly, can't speak highly enough of him.

Taken by the Astros with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of LSU, Bregman made his Major League debut a year later and advanced to the AL Championship Series in each of his seven full seasons. With that streak ending this year, Bregman is set to hit the market as one of the top free agents available

“From the day he got here, the whole organization changed for the better,” Altuve said. “He made this team better. As I said, hopefully he has a great chance to stay here, and not only that, to retire here.”

On the Astros' all-time hitting chart, Bregman is sixth in homers (191), seventh in doubles (265), eighth in runs (694), ninth in RBIs (663) and 11th in hits (1,132). His 19 career postseason homers are tied for sixth.

“I came here when I was 21 years old, made my debut against the Yankees and went to the ALCS every year but this one,” he said. “It's been a fun time, and I've cherished every second of it. It's an honor to be here, and I certainly don't take that for granted.”

Those close to Bregman say he wants to stay in Houston, where his wife is from. Astros general manager Dana Brown said he plans to speak with Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, after the season to discuss an extension.

“I hope so,” Bregman said when asked if he wants to come back. “We'll see what happens. I'll let Scott and the team handle it. Obviously, it's free agency, and I've never experienced that before.”

Altuve — who signed a $125 million contract extension earlier this season, ensuring he will finish his career in Houston — has seen the Astros lose star players George Springer, Carlos Correa and Gerrit Cole to free agency in recent years, though the team has continued to win. Those losses have largely been filled by homegrown players.

“I'm confident Bregi will stay here,” he said. “He is a leader. He's probably one of the best players in franchise history.”