A BIG DEAL

Astros lock up Altuve longterm with 5-year, $150-million extension

Astros lock up Altuve longterm with 5-year, $150-million extension
Jose Altuve is going to get paid. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Rejoice Astros fans, you have your cornerstone player for the foreseeable future as Jose Altuve and the Astros have agreed on a 5-year, $150 million dollar deal to keep the superstar second baseman in Houston after his current contract ends. The deal is the largest in franchise history.

With Altuve under contract through 2018 with a team option in 2019, the five-year deal kicks in for the 2020 season, keeping Altuve on the Astros through 2024. The contract comes as a great reward for Altuve, who is coming off his AL MVP season in which he completed his fourth-consecutive season with at least 200 hits and also recording his highest season batting average at .346. 

Altuve has been a vital part of the Astros organization since he arrived, making five All-Star game appearances and acting as the fan-favorite face of the franchise. He appears to be on a Craig Biggio-esque journey to possibly spend his entire career in Houston and help keep the team in contention for the next half-decade. 

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Houston’s stars must play better after the break. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

During Thursday night's loss to the Golden State Warriors, head coach Ime Udoka benched several of his starters in the fourth quarter. This decision actually gave the team a spark, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to secure a win.

What should we make of this move? Do the Rockets have an effort problem, or are they just tired?

Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN's Paul Gallant and Joe George weigh in!

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