Yordan Alvarez Unanimously Wins AL MVP

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was unanimously named the 2026 American League MVP, the first MVP award of his career. He led the majors in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, while hitting 42 home runs and driving in 106 runs. He also won the Hank Aaron Award and Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, becoming the first Astro to win the latter and ending Shohei Ohtani’s five-year run. Alvarez played a career-high 158 games and helped Houston reach the playoffs despite an 81-81 record. The MVP adds to a résumé that includes the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year award and a key role in the Astros’ 2022 World Series title. Houston’s new general manager has dismissed trade inquiries, calling Alvarez a major asset with years remaining on his contract.