Doing one thing well enough in the majors can be a challenge. Although, having to do two different things is very unique. The type of slugger who tends to hit the long ball is often no threat on the bases. The sort of mix between hitting home runs and stealing is an unlikely duo. Of course, a player who reaches a career milestone in both those categories has a diverse way of playing the game. Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros is one of those players who can do both. Not only is he the active leader in postseason home runs, but he’s closing in on history.
Jose Altuve Is on the Brink of History
Entering this season, only four primary second basemen have 200+ home runs and 300+ stolen bases- Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg, Roberto Alomar and Craig Biggio. Altuve is one stolen base away from becoming the fifth-second baseman to achieve the milestone.
Jose Altuve now 1 SB away from becoming the 5th primary 2B to reach 200+ HR and 300+ SB (Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg, Roberto Alomar, Craig Biggio).
— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) May 3, 2024
Here’s how the four Hall of Famers finished their careers in those respective categories.
Joe Morgan- 268 HR, 681 SB
Ryne Sanberg- 282 HR, 344 SB
Roberto Alomar- 210 HR, 474 SB
Craig Biggio- 291 HR, 414 SB
Comparing those numbers with Altuve’s, the 34-year-old is already ahead of Alomar with 216 home runs. Nevertheless, he could potentially surpass Sandberg for stolen bases, if he continues to do so at the rate he’s doing it. Altuve remains one of baseball’s best hitters this year, currently ranking seventh in OPS (.944) with a .341 batting average, nine doubles and seven home runs. The next closest hitter at that level and age is Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals, who turns 34 next week. Perez is sixth in the league in OPS (1.009) with a .355 batting average.
Altuve on Pace to Break a Franchise Record
Altuve is on pace to break Houston’s franchise record for hits this season, which he set a decade ago with 225. He currently holds the first, second, fourth and fifth-most hits in a single season by an Astros player with 225, 215, 204 and 200 respectively. This season, He has 45 hits which is the American League lead. Mookie Betts is ahead of Altuve with 49.
Living Up to His Contract Extension
Altuve was one of four key Astros players facing free agency in the next two years. Third baseman Alex Bregman is set to become a free agent after this season. Right fielder Kyle Tucker and left-hander Framber Valdez are set to become free agents after the 2025 season. The Astros signed Altuve to a five-year, $125 million extension prior to spring training, keeping him until the end of his career. He’s among the franchise’s all-time leaders in multiples categories. He ranks second in career batting average (.308), third in hits (2,092), doubles (409), runs (1,085), stolen bases (299) and fifth in home runs (216).
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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