Houston Astros slugger Yordan Álvarez collected five honors at Wednesday night’s MLB Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, adding another remarkable chapter to a season that established him as one of baseball’s most dominant hitters.
Álvarez received the American League Hank Aaron Award, AL Comeback Player of the Year, Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, All-MLB First Team honors, and recognition for winning the Rod Carew American League batting title.
The impressive haul comes just one day before the announcement of the American League Most Valuable Player Award, for which Álvarez is a finalist alongside Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero and Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr.
Hank Aaron Award Highlights the Night
The Hank Aaron Award recognizes the outstanding offensive performer in each league, with winners selected through a combination of fan voting and input from a panel of Hall of Famers.
Álvarez became the second Astros player to receive the honor, joining José Altuve, who won in 2017. Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong received the National League award.
During the ceremony, Álvarez noted the personal significance of receiving an award named for Hank Aaron, whose No. 44 he also wears.
“It means a lot to me,” Álvarez said during his acceptance remarks. “Especially because I wear the [uniform] No. 44.”
The award recognizes a season in which Álvarez led the American League in batting average (.316), on-base percentage (.432), slugging percentage (.601), and OPS (1.033).
He also hit a career-high 42 home runs, drove in 106 runs, and led the league with 109 walks. His 341 total bases and 77 extra-base hits were also league highs.
A Remarkable Return From Injury
Álvarez’s Comeback Player of the Year award reflects one of the most dramatic turnarounds in baseball this season.
In 2025, a fractured right hand and a left ankle injury limited him to just 48 games. His absence deprived Houston of its most dangerous offensive weapon for much of the season.
He returned in 2026 to play a career-high 158 games, demonstrating both durability and offensive consistency.
His performance also placed him in select company within Astros history. Álvarez became just the fourth player in franchise history to record at least 40 home runs, 100 RBIs, 100 walks, and 100 runs scored in a season, joining Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, and Alex Bregman.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler received the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
Álvarez Ends Ohtani’s DH Award Streak
Álvarez also became the first Astros player to win the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, ending Shohei Ohtani’s streak of five consecutive victories.
The award recognizes the top designated hitter in baseball, a role in which Álvarez appeared in 134 games during 2026.
As a designated hitter, he batted .305 with 34 home runs, 83 RBIs, and a .997 OPS.
He also earned the designated hitter position on the All-MLB First Team, which recognizes the best performers at each position across both leagues.
The fifth honor of the evening recognized Álvarez’s American League batting championship. His .316 average made him the third Astros player to win a league batting title, joining Altuve and Yuli Gurriel.
MVP Decision Arrives Thursday
Despite his five honors, the biggest individual award of Álvarez’s career remains undecided.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the American League MVP on Thursday, November 12, during a broadcast beginning at 6 p.m. CT on MLB Network.
Álvarez’s competition includes Caminero, whose power helped Tampa Bay reach the World Series, and Witt, whose combination of offense and defense made him one of the league’s most valuable all-around players.
The MVP voting was completed before the postseason, meaning Houston’s early elimination will not affect the outcome.
Álvarez’s five honors Wednesday capped one of the most decorated individual seasons in Astros history. From his comeback after an injury-shortened 2025 to his American League batting title and Hank Aaron Award, he delivered a season that earned recognition across nearly every major offensive category.
The MVP announcement remains ahead, but Álvarez has already secured his place among Houston’s most accomplished hitters.
