MLB analysts think Houston Astros players can bring back some serious gear in 2023: ‘Yordan Alvarez MVP’

The Houston Astros were unstoppable in 2022. In addition to winning the World Series, the team had 110 wins, had a game-winning Cy Young pitcher and an MVP award runner-up.

Although the team lost their 39-year-old Cy Young winner Justin Verlander as he left for free agency, pundits are still incredibly bullish on this team. Recently, a group of analysts from Jomboy Mediaa popular baseball news outlet, has given its opinion on players to watch on the Houston Astros in 2023.

“There’s nothing bad to say about the Astros” – Talkin’ Baseball

The team, led by well-known commentator and Jomboy founder Jimmy O’Brien, had nothing but praise for the team. According to the post, Jomboy readers named the Astros as the best team.

Although Justin Verlander was cited as a big loss, the team understands the Astros still have an incredibly strong rotation. Additionally, 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu has signed a three-year contract. Abreu’s $58 million contract with the Astros marks the first time since entering MLB that Abreu will adapt to a team other than the Chicago White Sox.

Along with predicting that the Houston Astros will have no problem reaching the ALCS again, the team also highlighted some key players they believe will be in contention for certain awards:

“Yordan Alvarez MVP. Cristian Javier Cy Young. Kyle Tucker Silver Slugger”

Yordan Alvarez, the Astros’ Cuban-born left fielder, hit .306/.406/.613 with 37 homers and 97 RBI in 2022, finishing third in AL MVP voting. He is a strong contender in the minds of many to win the MVP award in 2023.

Another name that is generating a lot of excitement is pitcher Cristian Javier. Javier, who just turned 26, had a career season in 2022. The Dominican right-hander posted a 2.54 ERA in 148 innings, striking out 194 and recording a WHIP of just 0.94.

If Javier can win the 2023 Cy Young Award, the Houston Astros will be the first AL team since the 2008 Cleveland Indians to feature back-to-back Cy Young winners.

For the Houston Astros, team success trumps individual success

Although the Houston Astros have some of the most talented players in baseball, they have to do their best to remember that they are a team. Failure to do so could put them in a similar position to their division rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Despite Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, the Angels couldn’t even come close to the playoffs in nearly a decade.