MLB Playoffs 2017: Choosing an MVP for every team

Houston Astros: Jose Altuve

Jose Altuve seems to be the best bet year in and year out when trying to pick an MVP candidate for the Astros. With 204 hits this season, Altuve ran his streak to four straight seasons leading the league in hits. Along with that, the 27-year-old slashed .346/.410/.547 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI.

For yet another season, the Astros second baseman has proven he can be a dual threat player with speed and power. With 32 stolen bases in 2017, Altuve increased his streak of at least 30 stolen bases in a season to seven. In addition to his speed threat, Altuve clubbed 24 home runs for the second time in as many seasons. OPS+-wise, 2017 was the best of his career. Altuve’s 165 mark bested his 155 mark that he recorded in 2016 when he finished third in the MVP voting.

With numbers as great as the ones mentioned above, of course Altuve led his team in some offensive categories. Those categories include batting average, OBP and hits.

Despite all his success in the regular season, Altuve has yet to figure out the postseason. In six postseason games (26 at-bats), Altuve has a slash line of .154/.185/.154 with no home runs and two RBI.

While his postseason numbers do not look good, remember that is a very small sample size. With the Astros having led the majors in team batting average, runs scored, OBP and slugging percentage during the regular season, they are primed to go far. A major key to the Astros’ success this October will be whether or not Altuve can break through and produce in the postseason.