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Houston Astros’ All-Time Best Seasons: Second Base
Aug 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2014: Jose Altuve
You knew Jose Altuve was going to make this list. How could he not?
In his third full season at second base, Jose Altuve showed everyone that he was not just a fill-in on the Astros roster until someone else came along. The young Venezuelan (only 24 yrs old) is a cornerstone for this franchise to build around.
In fact, he has improved in every season in nearly every statistical category. Here’s his 2014 stats (from Baseball Reference):
- .341 BA/.377 OBP/.453 SLG/.830 OPS
- 85 runs
- 225 hits
- 47 doubles
- 3 triples
- 7 HRs
- 59 RBI
- 56 stolen bases
- 36 walks
- 5.9 WAR
- All-Star
- Silver Slugger
Altuve smashed Biggio’s franchise record for hits and he won the AL Batting title while leading the league in hits, batting average, and stolen bases. He also made his second All-Star appearance and earned his first Silver Slugger. For the Astros, Altuve led the club in six categories including runs scored, doubles, and on-base percentage.
While it will be difficult for Altuve to best this season, he should continue putting up strong numbers and be a catalyst for this team.
If he’s ever traded to the Reds and they win a World Series with him, God help the city of Houston…
Next: Vote: Best All-Time Season at 2B