MLB news: Cubs spring training notes, Astros rumors, WBC update
By Kevin Henry
Houston Astros rumors: Will Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez extensions get done?
There was plenty of buzz early in spring training that the Astros were on pace to extend Tucker and Valdez, two key pieces of the team’s 2022 World Series-winning squad, but things reportedly could be slowing down as the regular season draws ever closer.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Astros general manager Dana Brown is hopeful that the pair of extensions will be done before this week concludes. Today (Thursday) could be a key day on whether that happens or not, with Brown telling McTaggart that the Astros will know, “whether we’re going to be able to get them signed by [Thursday].”
Brown also expressed less optimism about getting both deals done, saying, “We may be further away, particularly on Tucker than Valdez, but I’m one of those to keep hope alive.”
Tucker and Valdez are not scheduled to become free agents until the 2026 season, so the Astros don’t have to lock them up to long-term extensions this spring. However, Brown has said that keeping the team’s core intact is a priority, and showed that when pitcher Cristian Javier was inked a five-year, $64 million extension back in January.