MLB Postseason: Which player would each team go to in final at-bat?
By Kyle Cardoza
Houston Astros – Jose Altuve
He’s likely going to win the American League MVP. He’s been arguably the most consistent hitter in the league for the past four years. And he’s about 5 foot 6 inches tall.
But Jose Altuve was born to hit the ball and be a critical piece in the Astros’ powerful lineup.
The second baseman owns the best playoff average on the club at .579 and he’s smacked three home runs, though they were all in the first game. Still, manager A.J. Hinch slots his miniature-sized maniac of a hitter near the top of the order, and pitchers still haven’t figured him out.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Altuve’s hitting potential is his power. He finished the year ranked first on the team in OPS and eighth in the league overall. He crushed 24 home runs on the year and added 32 stolen bases.
His on-base percentage is not as insane as that of Mike Trout or Joey Votto, but it was a more-than-respectable .410 on the season.
If Hinch is ever in need of a home run, he may have better options. George Springer led the club with 37 bombs this year, while Carlos Correa boasted the highest slugging percentage on the team.
But if Houston was down to its last few strikes and needed someone to salvage its season, Altuve would and should be the guy at the dish.