JOSE ALTUVE – IF
The lone current player to make the team, Jose Altuve signed with the Astros in 2007 from his native Venezuela.
Since his call up to Houston in 2011, all he has done is become the fastest player in team history to reach 1,000 hits, steal almost 200 bases and develop into a power hitter.
Along with teammate Carlos Correa, Altuve gives the current Astros a five-tool player who can do anything and everything he is asked. Before he is done, he may supplant Biggio as the best second baseman in team history and give Bagwell a chase for best overall player in Houston.
With four All-Star Games, a third Silver Slugger on the way and a Gold Glove on the mantle, it is a matter of time before he wins an MVP award. In six short years, his 21.0 WAR places him 11th in team history. When he eventually passes Bob Watson’s 23.5, chances are he will do it in under 4,000 plate appearances, another team record.
As the Astros look for postseason future success, Altuve’s presence will be a major reason. As with Biggio and Ryan, and hopefully soon Bagwell, Altuve is well on his way for a day in Cooperstown.
Next: Power From South America