Houston Astros: Where should Jose Altuve hit in the order?

Jose Altuve had phenomenal campaigns across each of the past four seasons. And as the new season approaches, expect the infielder to sit atop the lineup for the Houston Astros yet again. But what spot will he occupy most?

Not many teams in the MLB boast a more versatile set of players than the Houston Astros. And their captain, reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve, may be their most multifaceted asset on the squad.

Yet, since Houston has a star-stacked roster, Altuve hasn’t occupied a sole spot in the batting order on a daily basis.

This year shouldn’t be much different, as circumstances are similar to last year. But in the case that manager A.J. Hinch makes some changes, where will he slot his All-Star second baseman?

Altuve always sat at the top of the lineup throughout the majority of his career. Since he became relevant in the MLB in 2014, more than 90 percent of his at-bats came in the No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 spot.

The front office’s decision to promote George Springer in 2015 didn’t change the order immediately. But it set the stage for what it looks like today, as he was the primary leadoff hitter during the past two seasons.

However, Altuve’s development as an all-around hitter also impacted the lineup change.

The Astros haven’t had as valuable a hitter since Lance Berkman, who last played for the team in 2010. Though he is just 5-foot-6, Altuve defied all doubters by refining his hitting skills and utilizing his top-notch speed.

On paper, the infielder seemed to be a prototypical leadoff guy. He swiped more than 30 bags in each of his first two full seasons, then improved upon that in 2014 with 56. While he hasn’t notched any 50-steal campaigns as of late, he’s switched his focus to other hitting aspects.

But as he became more seasoned, he evolved into a well-rounded hitter. And he may be the most consistent hitter compared to players outside of Houston too.

Altuve’s power numbers didn’t increase significantly until essentially 2014. Then they skyrocketed between 2015 and 2016. His OPS rose an impressive .115 in that time, the largest boost in the infielder’s career.

2014 Statistics:

1st: 338 AB, 112 H, 24 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 17 BB
2nd: 268 AB, 100 H, 22 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 13 BB
3rd: 14 AB, 5 H, 1 2B, 2 BB

2015 Statistics:

1st: 469 AB, 152 H, 28 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 25 BB
2nd: 138 AB, 37 H, 8 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 5 BB
3rd: 31 AB, 11 H, 4 2B, 1 HR, 3 BB

It was at that point that Hinch pushed Altuve out of the leadoff spot more often. The Astros had Springer on the spot, giving Altuve the opportunity to drive in more runs in the number three spot. The Venezuelan drove in a career-high 96 runs as a result of the minor switch.

Now, as Houston nears Spring Training, Altuve should be back in the three-hole a majority of the time. More than 63 percent of his at-bats came in that position over the past two seasons.

However, Altuve hit much better in all aspects in the No. 2 slot compared to the No. 3 last season. Nevertheless, his prior statistics in each slot may not determine where he hits. Rather, it may be how well everyone does around him.

2016 Statistics:

1st: 176 AB, 58 H, 18 2B, 9 HR, 24 BB
2nd: 73 AB, 25 H, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 BB
3rd: 390 AB, 133 H, 21 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 30 BB

2017 Statistics:

1st: 19 AB, 10 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 0 BB
2nd: 177 AB, 73 H, 15 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 16 BB
3rd: 393 AB, 120 H, 21 2B, 3 3B, 16 HR, 42 BB

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Houston will likely sport a similar lineup as last season. Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Springer, and Altuve should occupy the top of the order. And if all fare well in their ideal spots, then not much will change.

Some analysts argue that a team should bat their best overall hitter second. Based on the accumulation of stats from the previous few seasons, Altuve gets on base most in that position. However, he provides more power when he hits in the number three spot.

Overall Statistics (since 2014):

1st: .331 BA, .397 OBP, .490 SLG
2nd: .358 BA, .419 OBP, .498 SLG
3rd: .325 BA, .418 OBP .511 SLG

Surely, Altuve doesn’t carry a different approach depending on the spot he hits in. That is determined more by this situation as he steps up to the dish.

The reigning MVP will likely continue to occupy multiple spots in the order, and that’s probably how it should be. Hinch will not put the same nine players on the field every day. Thus he will have to move his best player around in the lineup.

Next: Will any of these minor players contribute for Houston?

Altuve’s success won’t be determined by where he hits. It will ultimately depend on whether opposing pitchers can adjust their game plans against him and also whether he can continue producing at such a high level.

Astros fans sure hope he can as they push for a second-straight World Series title.

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