The Houston Astros are looking for a resurgent season in 2026, and despite having a relatively quiet offseason aside from replacing left‑hander Framber Valdez with Japanese right‑hander Tatsuya Imai, there is still reason for optimism.
Much of that optimism centers on designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, whom the Astros hope will finally be healthy and return to being the force he has been in years past. Across seven MLB seasons, Alvarez has earned American League Rookie of the Year honors, three All‑Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award.
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The 28‑year‑old left‑handed slugger also played a central role in Houston’s 2022 World Series title and has long been one of the most feared hitters in the league.
Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) © Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
(© Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)
Last year was a different story. Alvarez missed 114 games while dealing with a severe right‑hand fracture that required a lengthy four‑month recovery, followed by a left ankle sprain in September that ultimately ended his season.
His production dipped simply because he never had a chance to build momentum. Across 48 games, he posted a .273 batting average, .367 on‑base percentage, .797 OPS, six home runs and 27 RBIs.
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Entering this spring, health is the clear priority. Astros manager Joe Espada has already said that most of Alvarez’s starts this season will come at designated hitter rather than in the outfield, a shift designed to reduce injury risk and keep him on the field.
His slow ramp‑up has been clear, with Alvarez still waiting to make his first spring training appearance. Espada finally announced a timeline on Thursday, saying Alvarez will make his spring debut early next week, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle.
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This will be his first in‑game action since the left ankle injury months ago, and the Astros will be watching closely to see how he moves and how his workload is managed.
Alvarez remains under contract for three more seasons, and his presence instantly raises Houston’s floor if he is right. For a team that missed the postseason last year and struggled to replace his power, getting Alvarez back to full strength is essential.
His return to the lineup next week marks the first real step toward determining whether the Astros can reestablish themselves as contenders in 2026.
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Related: Astros’ Jeremy Pena Announces Personal News Amid MLB Offseason
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.