Yordan Alvarez Aims to Shatter Astros' Home Run Record in Second Half
Yordan Alvarez is on pace to shatter the Astros' home run record, with 31 home runs in the first half of the season. The Cuban slugger is also leading the American League in RBIs with 70, putting him in contention for the Triple Crown.
What's at Stake for Yordan Alvarez?
The Astros' season is hanging in the balance, with a 25.2 percent chance of making the playoffs according to FanGraphs. General manager Dana Brown has stated that making the postseason is the bare minimum, and anything less would be a failure. With 64 games left to play, the team needs to improve its performance and make additions before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
How Will the Astros Address Their Needs?
The team's starting rotation has the second-highest ERA in the American League, and its outfield has the lowest batting average in MLB. Brown has stated that the team's main need is a left-handed-hitting outfielder, but the team's lack of prospect capital and hesitation to trade from a top-heavy major-league team will make it difficult to address both positions before the deadline.
What's Next for Yordan Alvarez?
Alvarez's remarkable first half has him on pace to break the Astros' home run record, which is currently held by Jeff Bagwell with 47 homers in 1994. The 27-year-old slugger is also in contention for the Triple Crown, which would be a historic achievement for the Astros. With the second half of the season underway, Alvarez will look to continue his hot streak and lead the team to the playoffs.
Can the Astros Make a Deep Run?
The Astros have a long way to go to make a deep run in the playoffs, but with Alvarez leading the charge, they have a chance to make some noise. The team will need to improve its pitching and outfield, but with the right additions and a strong second half, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
What's at Stake for the Astros' Front Office?
General manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada are in the last year of their contracts, and making the postseason will be a crucial factor in determining their future with the team. If the Astros fail to make the playoffs, Brown and Espada may find themselves out of work, making the second half of the season a make-or-break period for the team's front office.
What's Next for the Astros?
The Astros will look to improve their performance and make additions before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. With Alvarez leading the charge, the team has a chance to make some noise in the second half of the season. The team will need to address its needs in pitching and outfield, but with the right additions and a strong second half, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
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