Astros' Yordan Alvarez becomes first full-time DH to win AL MVP

Houston Astros DH Yordan Alvarez. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Astros' Yordan Alvarez becomes first full-time DH to win AL MVP

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 8:15 PM ET

Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez has made MLB history by becoming the first full-time designated hitter to win AL MVP as well as the third MVP in Astros franchise history.

He now joins Jeff Bagwell (1994) and José Altuve (2017). The 29-year-old slugger collected 29 first-place votes and 181 total points that crowned him as the 2026 AL MVP.

Considering that he posted career-highs in practically every offensive category in 2026 this makes him worthy of his first MVP honor.

He led all of MLB with a .316 batting average, a .432 OBP, a .601 slugging percentage and an explosive 1.033 OPS, demonstrating how he was one of the best hitters in MLB in 2026.

Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is the American League MVP. He is the first full-time designated hitter to ever win AL MVP and the third MVP in Astros franchise history.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 13, 2026

Yordan Alvarez makes up for falling short of Triple Crown by unanimously winning AL MVP

But his success doesn't stop there as he also is the first designated hitter to record the highest OPS+ (190) in a single season. Sky is clearly the limit for Alvarez who has also become the fourth Cuban-born player to win the MVP Award, after Zoilo Versalles (1965), José Canseco (1988) and José Abreu (2020).

Alvarez ranked second in the AL with 42 home runs, first in MLB with 109 walks, demonstrating elite plate discipline and second in the AL with 106 RBI.

Unfortunately, he fell short of winning the Triple Crown, coming second in home runs and RBI but won the AL batting title. The MVP is massive for the power hitter who beat out AL MVP finalists Junior Caminero and Bobby Witt Jr.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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