MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Houston Astros: Jose Altuve
In their 56-year franchise history, the Astros have won two World Series titles. They got both with Jose Altuve in an MVP-worthy starring role in the middle of both their infield and lineup, reason enough to view him as the franchise’s 21st century face.
Altuve earns the nod by his performance both on and off the field. Overcoming the athletic challenges often presented by his 5-6 stature, his gregarious personality has made him a constant presence in commercials and TV promotions. His back-to-back 2016-17 batting titles and 2017 MVP Award haven’t hurt, either.
Signed by the Astros in 2007 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela, he came to the big leagues in 2011 as a centerpiece of the 56-106 team’s rebuilding process. Annually from 2014 through 2017, Altuve led the American League in base hits. His 2016 and 2017 batting titles were actually his second and third, the first having come in 2014. He is an eight-time All-Star since 2014.
Altuve has been the team’s face through good and bad, such as the sign-stealing scandal when he stood up as a team leader.
Astros management tacitly acknowledged the vital roles, both on-field and off-field, played by Altuve when they signed him in 2018 to a deal that will buy out his free agent seasons at a cost approaching $30 million annually from 2020 through 2024.
In the wings: The Astros have several young stars with credentials to succeed Altuve if he leaves in 2025. The best may be Yordan Alvarez, slugging outfielder-DH who hit .306 with 37 home runs in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Alvarez has driven in 201 runs. He’s still only 26, so there’s room to grow.