AL West Look-In: Astros’ Tucker hopes he and Bregman get extended.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker is open to a long-term contract with the AL West juggernaut and says preliminary talks had begun.

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“Personally, I think we have the best team in the league,” Tucker said Monday as the Astros begin full squad workouts. “That’s the vibe around the clubhouse. You have to have that mindset, but you still have to earn it.”

José Altuve agreed two weeks ago to a contract that will pay $125 million from 2025-29, raising the Astros’ commitment to the second baseman to $151 million over the next six seasons.

Tucker has a $12 million, one-year deal and is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Houston faces an uncertain future with third baseman Alex Bregman, who gets $28.5 million in 2024, the final season of a $100 million, five-year contract.

Astros GM Dana Brown anticipates making proposals.

“I’m always open to having those conversations and talk it through,” Tucker added. “I’d rather not prolong it forever.”

A two-time All-Star, the 27-year-old Tucker batted .284 last year with 29 homers, 30 stolen bases and a career-best 112 RBIs.

Bregman, who turns 30 on March 30, also is a two-time All-Star. He batted .262 with 25 homers and 98 RBIs last year.

“I expect to have the best season I’ve ever had,” he stated Sunday. ”My body feels in incredible shape, my swing feels better than ever.”

Bregman is represented by agent Scott Boras, who normally prefers his clients try the free-agency market.

“We’re listening to everything the team has to say,” Bregman added. “I’m letting Scott and the Astros do that together and handle that for me. So that way I can be fully focused on baseball and winning and accomplish the things I want to do playing ball for this beautiful city.”

“I absolutely loved every single second here,” Bregman added. “Being able to put on this jersey is a dream come true. When it comes to a contract, I let Scott do that. That’s why I have an attorney working for me.”