3 Astros trades that helped get them to World Series

1. Yordan Alvarez, DH

Houston made it to the 2021 World Series thanks to a deal they negotiated back in 2016. The Los Angeles Dodgers wanted pitcher Josh Fields, and they opted to part ways with their international free agent signing Yordan Alvarez. You can guarantee that the Dodgers are kicking themselves for making this deal.

Alvarez made his MLB debut in 2019, and made an immediate statement by hitting 27 home runs and knocking in 78 runs in 84 games, netting him the AL Rookie of the Year award. The slugger would only play two games in 2020 before undergoing double knee surgery. In 2021, Alvarez returned and stepped up when the Astros needed him the most — with their backs against the wall in their series against the Red Sox.

In ALCS Game 5, Alvarez hit a solo home run and a two-run double in Houston’s 9-1 lead. For Game 6, the slugger wasted no time in helping the Astros secure their spot in the World Series by hitting an RBI double in the bottom of the first inning. He would go 4-for-4 in the game.

Overall, Alvarez went 12-for-23 at the plate in the ALCS, which included three doubles, a triple and six RBI, earning him the MVP award.

Alvarez played a huge role in the Astros making it to the Fall Classic once again, and they owe a huge thanks to the Dodgers, who were just eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS.