Yordan Alvarez: Baseball Designated Hitter and Left Fielder for the Houston Astros - Bio, Stats, Contracts & more

Yordan Alvarez is a Cuban professional baseball designated hitter and left fielder for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2019 for the Astros. Nicknamed “Air Yordan”, Álvarez stands 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), weighs 225 pounds (102 kg), bats left-handed and throws right-handed.

Álvarez was born in Las Tunas, Cuba. He played in the Cuban National Series for Las Tunas from 2015 to 2016. In 2016, he defected from Cuba and established residency in Haiti. He was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent in June 2016.

Details about Yordan Alvarez’s Background:

Name: Yordan Alvarez
Position: Designated Hitter/Left Fielder
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 225 lbs
Team: Houston Astros
Age: 26 (born June 27, 1997)
Nationality: Cuban
Previous clubs: None

Álvarez was traded to the Astros in July 2016. He made his MLB debut on June 9, 2019. In his rookie season, Álvarez hit .313 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 87 games. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year.

In 2020, Álvarez hit .276 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI in 51 games. He also had a .350 on-base percentage and a .527 slugging percentage.

In 2021, Álvarez hit .277 with 33 home runs and 104 RBI in 146 games. He also had a .346 on-base percentage and a .531 slugging percentage.

In 2022, Álvarez hit .293 with 37 home runs and 97 RBI in 144 games. He also had a .402 on-base percentage and a .578 slugging percentage.

Álvarez is a power hitter with a knack for getting on base. He is also a good fielder. Álvarez is a key player for the Astros and is expected to be a contributor for the team for many years to come.

Strengths & Weaknesses of Yordan Alvarez:

Alvarez is a powerful hitter who can hit for average, power, and speed. He has a quick, line-drive swing from both sides of the plate and a good feel for the barrel. He can drive the ball with authority to the gaps and over the fence. He has increased his launch angle and exit velocity in recent seasons, resulting in more home runs and extra-base hits. He has shown the ability to hit for power to all fields and against all kinds of pitchers.
Alvarez is an aggressive hitter who rarely strikes out and can spray the ball to all fields. He has improved his plate discipline and pitch recognition over the years and can handle different types of pitches. He has a high contact rate and a low strikeout rate, making him one of the toughest hitters to retire in the league.
Alvarez is a well-above-average runner who can steal bases and take extra bases on hits. He has good instincts and aggressiveness on the basepaths, as well as a quick first step and acceleration. He can also bunt for hits and beat out infield singles. He ranks among the league leaders in triples and stolen bases.
Alvarez is a versatile defender who can play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, center field, and outfield corners. He has good range and reactions, as well as soft hands and smooth actions. He can turn double plays well and cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
Alvarez is a clutch hitter who can deliver in big moments. He has hit several game-winning or game-tying home runs in his career, including the first walk-off home run in postseason history hit by a team down by multiple runs. He also hit a go-ahead home run in the 2022 World Series to secure his first championship.
Alvarez has an average arm that is adequate for second base, but not ideal for shortstop or center field. He can make accurate throws on routine plays, but struggles with longer or tougher throws. He sometimes lacks arm strength and consistency, especially when throwing on the run or from different angles.
Alvarez sometimes makes errors due to lack of focus or poor footwork. He has improved his defense over the years, but he still needs to work on his fundamentals and positioning.
Alvarez is prone to injuries that can limit his playing time or performance. He missed all but two games of the abbreviated 2020 season due to surgery on both knees. He also dealt with wrist and shoulder issues in 2021 and 2022 that affected his swing.

Tactical Role of Yordan Alvarez:

Alvarez is primarily used as a designated hitter by the Astros, as he provides a potent offensive threat in the middle of their lineup. He usually bats third or fourth, behind Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, or ahead of Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel. He is responsible for driving in runs and setting the tone for the offense.

Alvarez also plays left field occasionally, when the Astros need to balance their lineup or face a National League team without the designated hitter rule. He can also fill in at other positions if needed, such as second base or center field. He is expected to contribute defensively as well as offensively when he plays in the field.

Hobbies & Interests of Yordan Alvarez:

Playing video games, especially FIFA and MLB The Show. He likes to compete with his friends and teammates online or in person.
Watching movies and listening to music. He enjoys watching action and comedy films, and listening to reggaeton and salsa music.
Spending time with his family and friends. He is married to Monica Alvarez, and they have a son named Jordan. He is also close with his Astros teammates, especially fellow Cubans Yuli Gurriel and Aledmys Diaz.
Traveling and exploring new places. He likes to visit different countries and learn about their cultures and cuisines. He has been to Haiti, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and several states in the US.
Supporting charitable causes and giving back to his community. He has participated in various events and initiatives organized by the Astros Foundation, such as donating toys to children in need, hosting baseball clinics for young players, and raising funds for hurricane relief.

Net worth of Yordan Alvarez:

According to various sources, Yordan Alvarez has an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2023. He has earned most of his wealth from his baseball career, as well as from endorsements and sponsorships. In June 2023, he signed a six-year contract extension with the Astros worth $115 million, which will make him one of the highest-paid players in the league. He also has deals with brands like Under Armour and Budweiser.

Personal life of Yordan Alvarez:

Yordan Alvarez was born on June 27, 1997, in Las Tunas, Cuba. He grew up playing baseball in his hometown and joined the Cuban National Series (CNS) for the Leñadores de Las Tunas when he was 16 years old. He played two seasons in the CNS before defecting from Cuba in 2016 to pursue his dream of playing in the MLB. He established residency in Haiti, where he met fellow Cubans and future MLB players Yuli Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. He then moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent. Two months later, he was traded to the Astros for relief pitcher Josh Fields.

Yordan Alvarez is married to Monica Alvarez, who is also from Cuba. They have been together since 2018 and got engaged in January 2020. They have two children: a daughter named Mia, who was born in November 2018, and a son named Jordan, who was born in July 2021. The couple lives in Houston, Texas, with their family.

Family of Yordan Alvarez:

Yordan Alvarez’s parents are Agustín Eduardo Álvarez Salazar and Mailyn Cadogan Reyes. He also has a brother named Yonder Álvarez Cadogan. His parents still live in Cuba and were not able to see him play professionally until August 2023, when they visited Houston for a series against the Minnesota Twins. Yordan was very emotional and grateful to have his family by his side for the first time since he left Cuba.

Height of Yordan Alvarez:

Yordan Alvarez is one of the tallest players in the MLB at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters). He weighs 225 pounds (102 kg) and has a powerful physique that helps him hit long home runs and drive in runs.

Contracts of Yordan Alvarez:

Yordan Alvarez started his professional career with a $2 million signing bonus from the Dodgers in June 2016. He then played in the minor leagues for four years until he made his MLB debut with the Astros in June 2019. He earned $555,000 in his rookie season, which he finished with a unanimous AL Rookie of the Year award and an All-MLB Second Team selection. He then signed a one-year contract worth $607,000 for the 2020 season, which he missed almost entirely due to knee surgeries. He bounced back in 2021 with another one-year deal worth $609,000 and earned another All-MLB Second Team nod and an ALCS MVP award. In 2022, he signed a one-year contract worth $764,600 and had a career-best season with 37 home runs, 97 RBIs, a .306 batting average, and an All-MLB First Team selection. In June 2023, he agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $115 million that will keep him with the Astros until 2028.

Brands Associated:

Yordan Alvarez has endorsed two prominent brands: Under Armour and Budweiser. As an incredibly talented player, Yordan has caught the attention of many major companies looking to align themselves with his success and popularity. Under Armour is a sports apparel and footwear company that sponsors many athletes across different sports. Budweiser is a beer brand that has partnered with MLB and several players to promote its products and campaigns.

Teams with Yordan Alvarez Played:

Yordan Alvarez has played for three teams in his baseball career: Leñadores de Las Tunas (CNS), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and Houston Astros (MLB). He played for Leñadores de Las Tunas from 2013 to 2015 and hit .351 with one home run in his second season. He signed with the Dodgers in June 2016 but never played for them as he was traded to the Astros in August 2016. He made his MLB debut with the Astros in June 2019 and has been a key member of their lineup ever since. He helped them win the World Series in 2022 and has been selected to two All-Star games (2022 and 2023).

Awards & Achievements of Yordan Alvarez:

Awards of Yordan Alvarez:

2× All-Star (2022, 2023)
World Series champion (2022)
ALCS MVP (2021)
All-MLB First Team (2022)
2× All-MLB Second Team (2019, 2021)
Silver Slugger Award (2022)
AL Rookie of the Year (2019)
Outstanding Rookie of the Year Award (Player’s Choice) (2019)
Rookie of the Year Award (Sporting News) (2019)
2× All-Star Futures Game selection (2017, 2018)

Records of Yordan Alvarez:

Highest slugging percentage (.655) by a qualified rookie in MLB history (2019)
Most RBIs (51) in the first 45 games of a career in MLB history (2019)
First walk-off home run in postseason history hit by a team down by multiple runs (2022 ALDS Game 4 vs. Chicago White Sox)

Milestones of Yordan Alvarez:

Hit his first MLB home run in his debut game on June 9, 2019, against the Baltimore Orioles. He became the first player in Astros history to homer in his first two games
Hit his first career grand slam on July 16, 2019, against the Los Angeles Angels. He became the second player in MLB history to hit seven home runs in his first 12 games
Hit his first career walk-off home run on August 10, 2019, against the Seattle Mariners. He became the first player in MLB history to hit three walk-off hits in his first 30 games
Hit his first career postseason home run on October 5, 2019, against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. He became the youngest player in Astros history to homer in the postseason.
Hit his first career World Series home run on October 27, 2022, against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6. He hit a go-ahead two-run shot in the eighth inning to give the Astros a 4–3 lead and help them clinch their second championship. He became the third player in MLB history to hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning or later of a World Series clincher.

Statistics of Yordan Alvarez:

Season	Team	Games	At Bats	Runs	Hits	Doubles	Triples	Home Runs	RBIs	Batting Average	On Base Percentage	Slugging Percentage
2019	HOU	87	313	58	98	26	0	27	78	.313	.412	.655
2020	HOU	2	8	0	1	0	0	0	0	.125	.222	.125
2021	HOU	141	518	90	143	29	0	33	104	.276	.350	.531
2022	HOU	149	547	97	165	36	1	37	97	.302	.372	.575
Total	HOU	379	1386	245	407	91	1	97	279	.294	.364	.577

Statistics of Yordan Alvarez

Scouting Report of Yordan Alvarez:

Tool	Grade	Description
Hit	70	Alvarez is a pure hitter who can hit for average, power, and speed. He has a quick, line-drive swing from both sides of the plate and a good feel for the barrel. He can drive the ball with authority to the gaps and over the fence. He has increased his launch angle and exit velocity in recent seasons, resulting in more home runs and extra-base hits. He has shown the ability to hit for power to all fields and against all kinds of pitchers. He is an aggressive hitter who rarely strikes out and can spray the ball to all fields. He has improved his plate discipline and pitch recognition over the years and can handle different types of pitches. He has a high contact rate and a low strikeout rate, making him one of the toughest hitters to retire in the league.
Power	70	Alvarez has elite raw power, especially from the left side of the plate. He can hit towering home runs that travel over 450 feet with ease. He has a swing that generates optimal launch angle and exit velocity, as well as strong hips and wrists that provide leverage and bat speed. He has hit 37 home runs in 2022, which ranked second in the American League. He has also hit several clutch home runs in his career, including the first walk-off home run in postseason history hit by a team down by multiple runs.
Speed	50	Alvarez is an average runner who can steal bases and take extra bases on hits. He has good instincts and aggressiveness on the basepaths, as well as a quick first step and acceleration. He can also bunt for hits and beat out infield singles. He ranks among the league leaders in triples and stolen bases. However, he is not a burner and can be thrown out by strong-armed outfielders or catchers.
Arm	50	Alvarez has an average arm that is adequate for left field, but not ideal for center field or right field. He can make accurate throws on routine plays, but struggles with longer or tougher throws. He sometimes lacks arm strength and consistency, especially when throwing on the run or from different angles .
Field	45	Alvarez is a below-average defender who can play left field or first base, but is best suited as a designated hitter. He has limited range and reactions, as well as stiff hands and actions. He can make routine plays, but often misreads fly balls or takes bad routes. He sometimes makes errors due to lack of focus or poor footwork .

Scouting Report of Yordan Alvarez

Alvarez is one of the best hitters in baseball, who can hit for average, power, and speed, as well as play multiple positions on defense. He is a dynamic offensive force who can impact the game in many ways. He is also a young and durable player who has not missed much time due to injuries. He is a key member of the Astros’ core and one of their most valuable assets. Alvarez has the potential to be an MVP candidate and an All-Star for many years to come.

FAQs about Yordan Alvarez:

How old is Yordan Alvarez?

Yordan Alvarez is 26 years old as of June 27, 2023. He was born on June 27, 1997, in Las Tunas, Cuba.

What is Yordan Alvarez’s jersey number?

Yordan Alvarez wears the jersey number 44 for the Houston Astros. He has worn this number since he joined the team in 2019.

What is Yordan Alvarez’s nickname?

Yordan Alvarez’s nickname is “El Gigante”, which means “The Giant” in Spanish. He earned this nickname from his teammates and fans because of his towering height and power.

What is Yordan Alvarez’s favorite food?

Yordan Alvarez’s favorite food is ropa vieja, a traditional Cuban dish made with shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. He likes to eat it with rice, beans, and plantains.

What is Yordan Alvarez’s hobby?

Yordan Alvarez’s hobby is playing video games, especially FIFA and MLB The Show. He likes to compete with his friends and teammates online or in person.