Astros' Yordan Alvarez voted 2019 Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year

Joe Rivera

Astros' Yordan Alvarez voted 2019 Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year image

Astros DH/outfielder Yordan Álvarez is Sporting News' 2019 American League Rookie of the Year, as selected by a panel of 126 AL players. SN has given out Rookie of the Year awards since 1946.

If you're an Astros fan, take the time to thank the Dodgers today.

It wasn't long ago that the Astros traded reliever Josh Fields to the Dodgers for a 19-year-old Cuban outfield prospect. That prospect turned out to be Yordan Álvarez, the 2019 Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year.

In a vote among his peers, Álvarez was named on 93 of the 126 ballots cast. He's the first Astros player to win the award since Carlos Correa in 2015, and the 10th overall. Álvarez belted 27 home runs in just 87 games and was four homers shy of the rookie lead, trailing the White Sox's Eloy Jimenez, who finished second in the players' rookie survey. Toronto's Bo Bichette finished third.

MORE: Mets' Pete Alonso wins SN NL Rookie of the Year

While the Astros' talent pool runs deep, arguably no one has made a bigger rookie impression than Álvarez. His .313/.412/.655 slash line was the best among AL rookies, while his 178 wRC+ mark was second best among batters with a minimum of 350 plate appearances, second behind only Mike Trout.

Álvarez finished with a 3.8 fWAR, the highest of any rookie in the American League. Whichever metric you'd like to use, Álvarez's impact was felt on the Astros in his first year, adding a much-needed lefty power bat to the lineup. But more than his bat, his brain and approach played a big part in his rookie success.

"His balance that he brings. His reaction to success. His reactions to failure. How he's blended in on a pretty polished veteran-driven team has been nothing short of amazing," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "... But I think it's about his preparation and his ability to absorb all of that on the biggest stage in the highest league in the world."

Hinch cited fellow countrymen on the team and noted how Houston's winning culture made it easier for the 22-year-old to fit in. Even through the ideal circumstances, Álvarez's mentality hasn't just impressed his manager, but his teammates, too — including his former AL MVP cohort.

"I think what impressed me the most is how smart and smooth he is," José Altuve said. "He came in big situations during the season and he acted normal. He was like he's been there before.

"His approach, his mentality, everything about him is so good. What I like a lot about him is how hard he works and how humble he is, that's huge for him."

To Altuve's point, Álvarez came up big in clutch situations during the regular season, hitting .344 with runners in scoring position, with six home runs and 50 RBIs. With the pressure ratcheted up with two outs and RISP, the big Cuban hit .316 with two home runs, albeit in limited situations. 

Whatever the situation, Álvarez proved his value in an already stacked Houston lineup.

So if you see a Dodgers fan today, give them a big hug — and thank them for the 2019 SN AL Rookie of the Year.

***** 

VOTING RESULTS 

Yordan Alvarez, Astros: 93 

Eloy Jimenez, White Sox: 6

Bo Bichette, Blue Jays: 4

Others/blank: 23

Joe Rivera