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MLB Awards Watch 2016: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through April

By Tim Haberin

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a double during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Jose Altuve

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

.305/.400/.611, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 9 SB, 1.6 WAR (as of 4/30)

Jose Altuve continues to be a player who can make an impact on a game in a plethora of ways. He hits for average, tears up the base paths with his speed and is even developing a little pop in his bat. That’s certainly been the story so far this year.

Though the former batting champion’s average is down a bit from the last two seasons, his.400 OBP is good for fifth in the American League and his 1.011 OPS is sixth. His 11 doubles are tied for the MLB lead, and his nine stolen bases (in 10 attempts) are tops between both leagues as well. With six homers already, he also stands a great chance of surpassing last year’s career-high 15 long balls.

April was a resounding disappointment for the Houston Astros, whose 7-17 record is surely not what they imagined after last October’s postseason run. How much worse off would they be without their All-Star second baseman?

Next: Jordan Zimmermann

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