Jose Altuve, second baseman, Houston Astros
How exactly does a pitcher go about facing Altuve? What does he try to do?
Altuve has the power to make pitchers who challenge him pay. A season ago, he hit 24 home runs. This year, Altuve has seven. That’s slightly below last season’s pace, but it is still more than enough to be taken as a home run threat. Even when the ball doesn’t go over the fence, Altuve can drive it. He has 13 doubles and two triples in 2017.
So, easy enough. Just pitch around him, right?
Well, not exactly. First of all, Houston’s lineup is stacked. Putting anyone on base is just giving dangerous hitters more RBI opportunities. On top of that, Altuve has 10 steals. Think about what we said with Judge, only multiply it. When he reaches base, pitchers have to put a good portion of their focus on Altuve. If they don’t, they’ll quickly come across a guy standing at second, or even third.
It all amounts to one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive weapons, which is exactly what Altuve’s .319/.386/.505 slash line says he is.
Altuve is again showing that he’s one of baseball’s best, most valuable players.