The Astros can easily afford to extend both Bregman and Tucker, without even raising the payroll.

There is a ton of money coming off the books by the time Tucker hits free agency after the 2025 season.

• Verlander: $22.5 million
• Jose Abreu: $19.5 million
• Pressly: $14 million
• Montero: $11.5 million
• Graveman: $8 million
• Caratini: $6 million

That's $81.5 million. Of that only Pressly and Caratini's combined $20 million is currently contributing on the field (Montero is active, but with negative performance value), so we're not losing much production either. McCullers's $17.7 million is gone after 2026 so we won't calculate it, but that also gives them more cushion after the first year of a potential Tucker extension.

Bregman is already making $30.5 million this year, so if we add his expiring contract the Astros have $112 million dollars of payroll space to work with the next two off-seasons. That's more than enough money to extend Bregman and Tucker, account for arbitration increases, and make some other deals in the meantime. All without raising the payroll above its current level. So next time you see someone suggest the Astros can't afford it, you can safely dismiss them as someone who doesn't know what they're talking about.

However whether they can afford it and whether they should do it are two separate questions. As far as I'm concerned Tucker should be extended at all costs, and I mean that literally. Give him 12 years if that's what it takes, the first half of the contract will be worth it. Having both Yordan and Tucker slugging with the necessary surrounding pieces will keep the Astros in contention for another half-decade at least.

As for Bregman, the issue with him is not money, but years. He's very good but already 30, and not a Tucker level superstar in the post juiced-ball era. Ideally I'd want him on a 3 year deal, but if it took something around 5 years $125 million, I'd take that deal. I think that's a fair deal he may accept, but there's a good chance he wants more years, in which case it's best to just let him walk.