Future Watch: Yordan Alvarez Baseball Cards, Houston Astros – Yordan Alvarez defected from Cuba and took up residency in Haiti in 2016. He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in July of that year as an international free agent but soon after was traded to the Houston Astros.
Before Alvarez hit the States, this talented prospect starred in the Dominican Summer League and opened some eyes hitting .341 with a .500 slugging percentage. This strong play continued once he landed in the U.S. as he made his way through the minor leagues. Alvarez finished 2017 with the Buies Creek Astros in Advanced-A and the following year he started with the Corpus Christi Hooks in AA, and ended with the Fresno Grizzlies in AAA.
In 2019, Alvarez played for the Round Rock Express and had his second-consecutive season of 20 or more home runs. His call to the big leagues happened that June and he never looked back. His .313 batting average with 27 home runs was incredible during his abbreviated rookie season and landed him the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
This left-hander power hitter can hit against lefties. That makes him a bit more valuable as a DH, a benefit since Alvarez has a history of knee issues dating back to his AA days. He’s got no real deficiencies at the plate. He has a good eye and walks a lot.
Collectors have been treated to several Yordan Alvarez cards over the years, including pieces from both Topps and Panini in 2019. His officially marked rookie cards appear in 2020 series though, including Topps Update.
Here’s a look at Alvarez’s power:
Alvarez was on the disabled list to start the 2020 season. When he was ready to play, Alvarez got in two games before hurting his patella tendon in one knee and had season-ending surgery. Alvarez chose to have work done on both knees though, and it looks like that decision will pay off. He’s running and expected to make a full recovery and will probably be a full-time designated hitter. Collectors were in on him after the ROY award, but for those who waited, it’s worth the risk.
Future Watch: Yordan Alvarez Baseball Cards, Houston Astros – Stats
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | OPS+ | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB | Pos | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 22 | HOU | AL | 87 | 369 | 313 | 58 | 98 | 26 | 0 | 27 | 78 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 94 | .313 | .412 | .655 | 1.067 | 173 | 205 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | D7/H | RoY-1 |
| 2020 | 23 | HOU | AL | 2 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .250 | .333 | .625 | .958 | 152 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | /D | |
| 2 Yrs | 89 | 378 | 321 | 60 | 100 | 26 | 0 | 28 | 82 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 95 | .312 | .410 | .654 | 1.064 | 172 | 210 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |||||
| 162 Game Avg. | 162 | 688 | 584 | 109 | 182 | 47 | 0 | 51 | 149 | 0 | 0 | 95 | 173 | .312 | .410 | .654 | 1.064 | 172 | 382 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 7 | |||||
Future Watch: Yordan Alvarez Baseball Cards, Houston Astros – More Resources
- Yordan Alvarez MLB.com Player Profile
- Yordan Alvarez – Secondary Market Pricing
- Beckett Card Catalog – Yordan Alvarez Baseball Cards
Future Watch: Yordan Alvarez Baseball Cards – Image Gallery
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