Jose Altuve moves up on Astros’ all-time home run list

Jose Altuve’s inner George Springer moved him to fifth all-time in Astros’ franchise history.

While the Houston Astros slammed three home runs in Monday’s 7-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners, all were solo shots off lefty Robbie Ray that never gave the home club the lead. But as Altuve found another leadoff long ball, he moved up the franchise’s all-time list.

Altuve’s leadoff home run Monday made him the sole owner of fifth in franchise history with 175, breaking his tie with George Springer. The 32-year-old entered the 2022 season with 164, while his 11th Monday put him ahead of his former teammate

The 409-foot home run Monday was Altuve’s sixth leadoff home run of the season and 25th leadoff home run of his career.

Prior to the start of the 2022 season, Altuve ranked eighth in franchise history while he has time to continue climbing the franchise ladder. Jimmy Wynn sits at fourth with 223 home runs with the Astros, and while the feat is incapable of reaching this season, Altuve has time to match or eclipse the number by the time his contract expires after the 2024 season.

You can assume Altuve’s chances of returning with the club after his current contract ends as high, and if he is re-signed, it offers more at-bats for the seven-time All-Star to catch Craig Biggio at 291.

Altuve may catch Biggio with an extended stay with the Astros, but the likes of Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman are out of reach at 449 and 326, respectively, as regression plays a part in his aging seasons.

The Astros’ three home runs weren’t enough to top the Mariners at home for the series’ opener. While Houston moves to 35-20, the Los Angeles Angels picked up their 12th-straight loss, falling 8.5 of the division lead. The Texas Rangers are now biting at the Angels’ heels, while nine games out.