There is a major concern for the Houston Astros to lose their MVP candidate in free agency

After the Houston Astros were eliminated from the 2023 playoffs in disappointing fashion on their home field, minor adjustments were expected to be made to their roster as they chased another World Series championship this season.

With a group already in place, there was no need to make drastic changes, but they also lost three of their relievers in free agency as it appeared owner Jim Crane was willing to stay put and not exceed the luxury tax. .

Then he unexpectedly signed massive deals with free agent Josh Hader and a contract extension for their franchise legend Jose Altuve.

Anxiety turned to optimism and they once again seemed the favorites to advance out of the American League.

But there is also another side to the equation following these decisions.

With Alex Bregman set to enter free agency after this year and Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez whose contracts expire after 2025, there are real question marks whether the Astros will be able to keep three of their best players going forward. the front.

These concerns were amplified by Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

“While everyone is focused on (Juan) Soto in free agency this winter and wondering how much of the $500 million-plus he will receive, all eyes will be on Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker a year from now,” he writes.

Considering how the superstar right fielder is playing this season, it makes sense why he’s someone every team is going to be watching.

Entering Wednesday’s slate, Tucker leads Major League Baseball in home runs (18) and ranks in the top five in on-base (.404) and slugging percentage (.605).

He is a legitimate AL MVP candidate, providing value both at the plate and in the field with a career defensive bWAR of 1.8.

Another factor in all of this is that Houston has yet to offer him a contract extension, even though general manager Dana Brown says it’s on their radar. Tucker said he was open to a long-term deal to stay with the franchise that drafted him fifth overall in 2015.

But money talks, and if the Astros can’t get something done before his next contract year, then he and his agent are probably more than happy to hit the open market based on the deal that Juan Soto finally signs.