Astros Season Preview: Predicting Top Award Candidates

Sep 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after making a defensive play during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after making a defensive play during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 16, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Venezuela infielder Jose Altuve (27) throws to first base to force out Dominican Republic infielder Carlos Santana (not pictured) in the fourth inning during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

AL Batting Title — Jose Altuve

Not exactly a surprising choice here. Altuve won the batting title in two of the past three seasons and he’s in prime position to do it again. He’s got more protection behind him and is still just 26 years old. This is the easiest pick of all.

As Altuve has proven to us in the past, it isn’t wise to bet against him. While he may not top last year’s incredible season where he posted a154 OPS+, it may be possible for him to surpass a .338 batting average. After all, he did it in 2014 at .341, which was the first of his batting titles.

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