What happened: Yordan Alvarez earned the 2026 American League Most Valuable Player award after leading Major League Baseball with a .316 batting average and a 1.033 OPS. The season also netted Alvarez the AL Hank Aaron Award and AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. He finished the year with 42 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 105 runs scored.
Why it matters: The recognition caps an offensive season in which Alvarez drew a major-league-leading 109 walks and posted an AL-best 77 extra-base hits. His unanimous victory establishes him among four Cuban-born players in Major League Baseball history to win an MVP award.
By the numbers: 2026 statistics: .316 AVG (1st in MLB), 1.033 OPS (1st in MLB), 109 BB (1st in MLB), 77 XBH (1st in AL), 42 HR, 106 RBI, 105 R.
What to watch: Alvarez enters the upcoming 2027 season with two years remaining on his contract as winter roster moves get underway.