The AL MVP race this season is going to be a tight one. There are several options to name the most important player in the junior circuit. And with such a crowded field, some names have created distance with the rest of the pack.
Aaron Judge is one thanks to his batting numbers with the New York Yankees. Chris Sale has dazzled on the mound for the Boston Red Sox. Mike Trout will always be a candidate. And Carlos Correa has emerged as quite a force with the Houston Astros. However, another Houston player should take home the Award once the 2017 season ends. I’m talking about Jose Altuve.
Once again Altuve has managed to become a threat both on the cage and on the basepaths. His versatility is key for the Astros, and the numbers back that up. Before Friday’s game, Altuve was hitting an MLB-leading .361 and has already collected 167 hits, so he is well on his way to finishing with 200 or more for the fourth straight year.
But Altuve does not only hit for average, as he has added power to his game in recent years. He currently has 18 homers and could surpass his career-high of 24 that was set one year ago. And the Venezuelan has also been a clutch hitter with runners on, thanks to 66 RBI. He finished with 96 last year and could end with 100+ for the first time in his career if he gets hot and the offense cooperates.
Overall Altuve hits .361/.420/.566 with a .986 OPS. He ranks first in average and OBP, second in OPS and sixth in slugging. He is going toe-to-toe with Judge in terms of offensive numbers, but Altuve has an edge on two specific things: consistency, and a proven track record. Judge’s numbers have gone south since the All-Star Break, while Altuve leads all qualified players in average with an impressive .395 mark.
But enough about his batting numbers. Altuve is versatile enough to impact the game in other areas as well even if he’s not hitting. Although let’s be honest – he hasn’t stopped hitting since 2015. Altuve also ranks second in stolen bases in the AL with 26, only two behind the leader Jarred Dyson. So there’s speed on his game as well.
Defensively he’s no Dustin Pedroia and “only” has a 97.9% fielding percentage. But he plays a premium position, and we can cut him some slack for being one of the shortest players in all of baseball. Let’s be honest – no player has won the MVP because of their defense. And offensively Altuve has enough merits to claim the Award.
He absolutely deserves it based on his play and has been improving as the season goes in.