Why the Astros’ Third Baseman Will Win the American League MVP

Alex Bregman’s work ethic and career were the stuff of legend at Louisiana State University, from his late night tee workouts to his less than 100 strikeouts in 900 plate appearances but when he was drafted into the MLB, the average fan didn’t know much about him unless they were a Houston fan. That all changed when Bregman stepped into the box in game 5 of the 2017 World Series and got a walk-off base hit to put an end to the 10 inning game. The Astros went on to win the championship in 7 games last year, thanks in part to Bregman’s 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Bregman wasn’t satisfied with this though, so during the off-season, he hit the weight room hard taking MLB’s slogan “no offseason” to a whole other level, and worked tirelessly on hitting the ball to all parts of the field, improving his fielding, and his arm strength. So far this season all that work has paid off, to pitchers’ dismay as he had an exceptionally hot two weeks where he posted a .435 batting average, 5 home runs, 16 RBIs, and a 1.306 slugging percentage. So far he has put up career highs in doubles (50), home runs (30), RBIs (100), walks(91), batting average (.289), and on-base percentage (.396) this year, as well as earning his first All-Star game nomination where he won ASG MVP for his contribution to the American League’s 8-6 win over the National League in 10 innings.

His production for the Astros this season has helped them to clinch a first place position in AL West with a 95-57 record, as well as making a case for the Astros to be the first team to repeat a World Series win since the Yankees led by alk time great Derek Jeter won 3 in a row from 1998-2000. With the kind of numbers Bregman is producing, and the way it is impacting his team’s chances of another championship, the Astros 3rd baseman looks like he will beat out guys like Mike Trout and Mookie Betts for the title of American League Most Valuable Player.

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