In critical moments, Yordan Álvarez delivers when the Astros need him most—a skill he has showcased since his MLB debut on June 9, 2019. Born June 27, 1997, in Las Tunas, Cuba, Álvarez began playing baseball at a very young age. Growing up, he competed in local leagues, and by age 15, he was already participating with the Cuban national team, representing his country and showcasing his talent as a young player.
One year later, at 16, Álvarez joined Cuba’s top-level league, his hometown team, the Las Tunas Leñadores, in the Cuban National Series. He played two seasons with the Leñadores, hitting .351 in his second season and proving his potential as a teenager.
Following his early successes, Álvarez moved to the Dominican Republic to train and attract the attention of MLB scouts. While he had talent, he needed to refine certain aspects of his game. He participated in showcases and workouts at MLB academies, including invitations from the White Sox, Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees. After continuing to develop his skills and establish residency, Álvarez signed a $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Not long after, the Astros acquired Álvarez from the Dodgers in exchange for reliever Josh Fields—a trade many viewed as favorable for Houston. Álvarez has since become an H-Town favorite, proving the Astros’ decision to bring him in was a pivotal move.
After a long journey, Álvarez made it to the majors and found a team and a new home. Since June 9, 2019, he has been a fan favorite. His six-year, $115 million contract extension with the Houston Astros was finalized in June 2022. Since then, he has maintained his reputation as a power hitter and clutch performer.
2019 Regular Season: AVG: .313, HR: 27, RBI: 78, OPS: 1.067
2020 Regular Season: AVG: .250, HR: 1, RBI: 4, OPS: .958
2021 Regular Season: AVG: .277, HR: 33, RBI: 104, OPS: .877
2022 Regular Season: AVG: .306, HR: 37, RBI: 97, OPS: 1.019
2023 Regular Season: AVG: .293, HR: 31, RBI: 97, OPS: .990
2024 Regular Season: AVG: .308, HR: 35, RBI: 86, OPS: .959
2025 Regular Season: AVG: .273, HR: 6, RBI: 27, OPS: .797
After the regular season, Álvarez continued to prove his worth in the postseason.
Career Postseason Totals (2019–2025):
Games Played (G): 39, At-Bats (AB): 214, Runs (R): 39, Hits (H): 63, Home Runs (HR): 12, Runs Batted In (RBI): 41, Batting Average (AVG): .294, On-Base Percentage (OBP): .393, Slugging Percentage (SLG): .551, On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .944 per MLB.
After a long journey, Yordan Álvarez has shown the majors what he brings to the plate and has gained a following among Houston fans. The 28-year-old has two years left on his six-year contract, and the Astros are confident in his future performance.