Yordan Álvarez had his challengers for the American League MVP, but in the end it was unanimous. The designated hitter won the award Thursday, earning all 30 of the BBWAA’s first-place votes. Álvarez is the third Houston Astro to win the award, joining José Altuve in 2017 and Jeff Bagwell in 1994. He beat out finalists Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. 3. It was an impressive season for Alvarez, who returned from an injury-plagued 2025 to post career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, home runs, runs batted in and runs scored. His .319/.432/.601 line gave him the best average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage in the league. He also led the American League in walks, total bases and OPS+. Alvarez not only won Most Valuable Player, but he also won the American League Hank Aaron Award as the league’s top hitter, the American League Comeback Player of the Year award, and the Edgar Martínez Award for Outstanding Designated Hitter, in addition to All-MLB honors and, presumably, the Silver Slugger. It’s the third time in the last four years that both MVPs have been unanimous, joining 2023 (Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr.) and 2024 (Ohtani and Aaron Judge). Before 2023, this had never happened in the history of the BBWAA MVP awards, which dates back to 1931. Alvarez was in contention for the Triple Crown, when a player leads his league in batting average, home runs and RBIs, until very recently. at the end of the season. A relatively slow August, in which Alvarez hit just two home runs, effectively ended his chances of achieving the feat. That warm August allowed Caminero to get back into MVP consideration. While he made a valiant effort, Caminero’s .276/.360/.524 slash line ultimately fell short. With Alvarez outplaying his competition at the plate, Caminero could have made up the difference with his defense. But the third baseman was unstable at the position, which dragged down his WAR. Defense was a big reason Witt finished as the third finalist in the voting. While Witt’s offensive numbers paled in comparison to Alvarez and Caminero (Witt hit .281/.359/.441 in 143 games), the Royals star was the American League’s best defensive player at one of its most difficult positions. season due to injuries. He played only 66 games in 2026. Judge’s absence played a role, but Alvarez’s performance resulted in the slugger winning his first MVP award. While Judge should be back and ready to compete for the award next season, Alvarez’s advancement could make him a perennial MVP contender as long as he stays healthy. He showed in 2026 that he is one of the best pure hitters in the game.
