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MLB awards watch: MVP races

By John Buhler

Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a game winning, walk-off three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a game winning, walk-off three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

American League No. 2

2

Jose Altuve

2B, Houston Astros

It isn’t just southpaw ace Dallas Keuchel that has made the Astros such a strong team out of the gate. They a diminutive, but dynamic second baseman by the name of Jose Altuve who is a bona fide superstar for the Astros ball club.

He is a four-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, two-time batting champion and a former Gold Glove winner. Besides bring Houston its first World Series championship, all he really needs is a MVP award to complete his hardware collection. With the way he’s playing in April, Altuve could do it.

Altuve is hitting .311/.354/.437 with two homers and seven runs batted in. While he leads the league in steals with seven, Altuve hasn’t even come close to hitting his stride. When he does and Houston becomes a series favorite to win the Junior Circuit, this could be his MVP award. He did finish third in the American League last season.

Altuve is the most identifiable player on the best team in the American League West. There is really nothing he can’t do. Though the American League has been particularly dominated by pitching thus far this season, AL MVP will probably go to a position player, possibly to Altuve.

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