Five Moments That Defined Yordan Alvarez’s Historic MVP Season

Yordan Alvarez is the unanimous ​​2026 American League MVP. What a year for the slugger. Despite the Astros’ ups and downs, Alvarez kept trucking along, playing at the top of his game and collecting award after award.

Here is a look at his top five moments from 2026. 

1. June 12: Two home runs in one inning against Kansas City

Alvarez hit a two-run homer and a grand slam in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals. It doesn’t get much better than that. He had six RBIs in one inning, which set an Astros franchise record. He joined Jeff Bagwell and Lee May as the only Astros to homer twice in an inning, leading the Astros to a 10-8 win.

2. July 4: Walk-off fireworks against Tampa Bay

The Astros trailed the Rays by five runs, but thanks to Alvarez’s two home runs and six RBIs, they secured a 10-8 win. He went 3-for-4 on the night. The second homer was a walk-off in the ninth for two runs, securing the win and snapping Tampa Bay’s nine-game winning streak. It was also his second career walk-off homer on July 4, which makes him the only player in MLB history with two. Alvarez gave the Astros one of the best moments of the season.

3. July 10: His 200th career home run against Texas

On July 10, Alvarez crossed a milestone, hitting his 200th career home run against the Texas Rangers. It was also his 30th of the 2026 season. The ball traveled 455 feet. He absolutely crushed that one, and he wasn’t even close to done.

4. July 14: First hit of the All-Star Game

Alvarez got things started for the American League in the All-Star Game with the first hit. He was the only Astro on the team, and it was his fourth All-Star selection. As the American League designated hitter, he recorded the game’s first hit, finished 1-for-2, and scored a run, contributing to the American League’s 4-0 win. It wasn’t his flashiest outing of the season, but he still had an impact in the All-Star Game and left his mark.

5. November 12: Unanimous AL MVP

Then, of course, most recently, he received the ultimate award: the MVP. He won it unanimously, capturing all 30 first-place votes.

Alvarez became the fourth Cuban-born player to win the MVP, along with Jose Abreu in 2020, Jose Canseco in 1988, and Zoilo Versalles in 1965.

Houston may have finished 81-81, but there is absolutely nothing to be disappointed about with the outcome of Alvarez’s season. He won the batting title at .316 and hit 42 home runs with 106 RBIs. He had an outstanding season with plenty of awards as proof.