Fansided

MLB rumors: Predicting the next 5 young stars to sign contract extensions

By Cody Williams

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 21: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros bats against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park on August 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 21: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros bats against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park on August 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) /

2. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

Because he’s surrounded by so much talent in Houston and, perhaps, because of the other young stars in the game, the absolute dominance of Yordan Alvarez feels like it goes a bit overlooked, or at least more than it should. Yet, at just 25 years old (which he turned earlier this season), his production has skyrocketed over the past two seasons.

In 251 games over the past two years, Alvarez is slashing .284/.368/.560 while cranking 64 balls over the fence, racking up 183 RBI and adding 52 doubles to his credit, just for good measure. The lefty has been outright dominant when he’s at the plate.

Alvarez is one of the players who has raised his market value a great deal over the past two years. At the same time, though, there is a chance that the Astros could still effectively come out winners in negotiating an extension with the 25-year-old.

While Alvarez is an elite hitter, his glove is not something to write home about, meaning he’s largely going to be a designated hitter with minimal use in the field for the foreseeable future. That could give them at least a little bit of leverage in trying to lock him into an extension at a more favorable price, which they need to act on quickly.

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