Yordan Alvarez proves trade worthwhile

HOUSTON – “M.V.P” chants and loud cheers can be heard when Yordan Alvarez walks to the batter’s box. Fans take their phones out of their pockets and sit anxiously as they prepare to witness something remarkable from the Las Tunas, Cuba, native. 

Pitchers usually work carefully when Alvarez stands in front of them. Opposing managers have resorted to the intentional walk to reduce the threat that he brings the Astros offense. Although opponents take precaution when they face the four-time All-Star, he finds a way to propel Houston’s offense. 

In what is the 10th anniversary of the famous trade between the Dodgers and the Astros that sent Alvarez to Houston for Josh Fields, Alvarez has proved this trade to be more than worthwhile. 

“We definitely won that trade,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “I’ve said this before, for me it’s the human he is, his values and what he brings to this organization besides his performance on the field. 

“I watched him become one the greatest hitters by the way he works, by the way he takes care of himself, how much he cares about winning, and how he is able to help his teammates. I think that’s what makes Yordan Alvarez a great player and the great human he is.”

A day worth celebrating

Aug.1 is celebrated throughout Houston as a reminder to fans of when the Astros received one of the best hitters in baseball from one of their biggest postseason foes. The Astros’ social media post announcing the trade gets reposted again by fans who reminisce about their favorite Alvarez moment. The Astros also featured an Alvarez bobblehead that celebrated that day.

YORDAN ALVAREZ KNEW IT OFF THE BAT! 💥 Air Yordan puts the Astros on the board with his 35th home run of the season! 🚀🇨🇺#Cuba pic.twitter.com/RrQrfcdTlz

— Our Esquina (@OurEsquina) July 29, 2026

Yordan Alvarez has given Astros fans plenty to cheer about. From winning Rookie of the Year in 2019 to blasting a World Series-clinching home run to center field at Daikin Park. Now the 6-foot-4 slugger is chasing the Triple Crown, a feat that’s only been done only 15 times in MLB history. 

What makes Yordan Alvarez an elite threat at the plate? What allowed him to climb through the minors quickly? Sure the talent is there as the left-handed power hitter has a natural swing with natural power. But, those close to Alvarez say his work ethic is like no other.  

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This season has the potential to be special for him. Even during his previous injury-plagued seasons his presence at the plate was definitely shown. On July 31 the Astros reached first place in the AL West for the first time since April 6. The offensive prowess by the 2022 World Series champion has aided this Astros turnaround. 

Like Big Papi

Alvarez’s offensive talent has led to comparisons to Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Especially by Astros hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, who coached Ortiz in 2013 when the Red Sox won the World Series.

“Personality, mannerism, and the way they prepare and show confidence, that’s how they are similar,” Rodriguez said. “When they come to work they prepare with intent. They know who is pitching and know how they are going to attack pitchers. 

“Both are big and they both hit the ball all over the place. They are both special. Yordan Alvarez has a lot of David Ortiz. One thing is that Yordan Alvarez is more of a hitter, but they are both incredible players, hitters and people.”

Family man

While Alvarez has worked hard to become one the fiercest hitters in baseball Espada has noted that Alvarez always makes time for his family. Espada praises Alvarez’s dedication to fatherhood and being a great husband, which the Astros manager believes is crucial to his slugger’s success. 

“He’s a great dad,” Espada said. “I love his interaction with his wife and his kids. He makes sure he takes the time to spend time with them. We spend so much time here on the field that he makes sure that he goes out and spends time with them either at home or on the road. 

“It’s showing up in a few minutes, so he can take his kids to school or pick them up from school, that’s the important stuff. Those are the things I value from Yordan Alvarez, taking time to say hi to the fans. It’s just more than the impact than what he does on the field.”