Early Prediction Has Yordan Alvarez Winning Another Major Award for Astros

The Houston Astros are off to a hot start in 2026, holding down first place in the American League West division through the first week. After starting the season 0-2, the Astros have strung five wins together, as they continue to improve their winning ways against the Athletics.

As the season unfolds, one thing is clear when it comes to Houston: it's a better team when Yordan Alvarez is healthy. The Astros missed the playoffs last season largely because Alvarez's gameplay was limited, but so far, he's been their obvious MVP candidate.

Hitting three home runs, driving in six RBIs, hitting .417 at the plate, and walking more than striking out, Alvarez has been a beast in the middle of the lineup. If this production continues, perhaps this prediction made by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter could come true.

Alvarez Quickly Emerging as All-Star Worthy

Yordan Alvarez high fives teammates. — Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Rueter believes that Alvarez will earn his fourth All-Star nod later this season in his 'Way-Too-Early Predictions for 2026 MLB All-Star Rosters article. If the Houston slugger continues to swing it the way he has been until then, this should be a no-doubter.

Alvarez has been an All-Star three times in his career (2022, 2023, 2024) and for good reason. Putting last season behind him, Alvarez was one of two Astros players Rueter believes will make the All-Star game. The other? Starting pitcher Hunter Brown.

Alvarez has earned a reputation where fans would vote for him even if he wasn't having the best season, because he has shown what he can be when he's on. Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is an example of that type of player, who was named an All-Star in 2022 and only played in 36 games.

Yordan Alvarez hits a double. — Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) reacts to his double. | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Regardless, Alvarez has gotten 2026 off to a much better start than he had in 2025. Through the first seven games of last season, Alvarez was hitting .125 at the plate with zero home runs and four RBIs, while striking out nine times.

The fate of the season for the Astros truly resides in whether Alvarez can stay healthy or not. His presence at the plate is enough to intimidate an opponent on the mound, regardless of whether he makes a perfect pitch.

At this pace, Alvarez is on track to set new career highs and potentially become the American League MVP for the first time in his career. But he'll have to beat Aaron Judge before that comes into the conversation.