Yordan Alvarez makes Astros history in loss to Rangers

Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yordan Alvarez makes Astros history in loss to Rangers

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jul 11, 2026 12:09 AM ET

On pace for his best season yet, Yordan Alvarez remains red hot and has added making franchise history with his latest milestone to his list of 2026 accomplishments.

Even though Alvarez's latest home run didn't help the Houston Astros win the game — they lost 7-3 to the in-state rival Texas Rangers — it was a monumental moment nonetheless.

Yordan Alvarez achieved two milestones with one swing of the bat against the Rangers

Alvarez's sixth-inning home run, a solo shot off a 2-2 count, was his 30th of the season, and more importantly, the 200th of his career.

And now that he's only seven home runs away from matching his single-season best of 37 from 2022, the Astros' designated hitter is on track to pursue Houston's record held by a franchise icon.

Alvarez has a shot at pursuing the Astros' single-season record

Alvarez reached 30 home runs in the second fewest games (96) in Astros history, only behind Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, who got there in 91 games in 1999. Bagwell also owns the most in a season in Astros' history with 47, a mark he hit in 2000.

That ball was DEMOLISHED. #ChaseTheFight pic.twitter.com/bp24C2DUF2
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 11, 2026

Based on Alvarez's current pace, he has a shot at surpassing Baswell and becoming the first Astros player to ever hit 50 or more home runs.

But even if Alvarez sets a new Astros season high, he has a long way to go to get to Bagwell's career total of 449.

Alvarez should be an MVP candidate regardless of the Astros' record

Beyond his clutch home runs, Alvarez has a slash line with a .312 average, a .417 OBP and a MLB-leading .621 slug. He has 68 RBIs, 63 runs scored and 59 walks in 343 at-bats, too.

The only obstacle for Alvarez in building his case for the American League MVP is Houston's placement in the standings. The Astros are 46-50 and in third place in the American League West.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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