HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Affiliation of America has introduced the 2022 Astros season award winners:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – YORDAN ALVAREZ: Alvarez, a 2022 All-Star who’s a first-time winner of this award, was an offensive drive this season, hitting .306 in 135 video games with 37 house runs and 97 RBI with a .406 on-base share, a .613 slugging share and a 1.019 OPS. Within the AL, he ranked second in OPS, slugging and on-base share whereas rating third in house runs and tied for fifth in RBI. Alvarez led the Astros in a number of offensive classes, together with batting common, house runs, slugging share and OPS. In June, he was named AL Participant of the Month after hitting .418 in 23 video games with 9 HR and 28 RBI. Defensively, his seven oufield assists ranked tied for second amongst AL left fielders, regardless of taking part in simply 56 video games within the outfield.
PITCHER OF THE YEAR – JUSTN VERLANDER: At 39 years previous, Verlander had one of many most interesting seasons of his lengthy, Corridor of Fame-caliber profession. In 28 begins, he posted an 18-4 file with a 1.75 ERA, which is by far the bottom ERA of his profession. Along with wins and ERA, Verlander additionally led the AL in WHIP (0.83), Adjusted ERA+ (220), opponents common (.186) and opponents OPS (.497). His 1.75 ERA is the bottom of any MLB pitcher in a full season since RHP Pedro Martinez posted a 1.74 ERA for Boston in 2000. His .497 opponents OPS is the 4th-lowest of any full season in AL historical past. A bonafide stopper, in his 12 begins following an Astros loss, Verlander was 9-0 with a 1.11 ERA (9ER/73IP). Moreover, Verlander shined down the stretch, posting an 0.84 ERA (3ER/32IP) in his closing six begins with 47 strikeouts in 32.0 innings pitched. This marks the third time that Verlander has gained this award, with the others coming in 2018 and 2019.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – JEREMY PENA: Pena was one of many high rookies in all of baseball in 2022, hitting .253 because the Astros on a regular basis shortstop with 22 house runs and 63 RBI with 11 stolen bases in 13 makes an attempt. His 22 house runs tied the Astros rookie file for a shortstop, set by Carlos Correa in 2015. Amongst MLB rookies, Pena ranked second in house runs, 4th in hits (132) and fifth in runs scored (72) and RBI (63). Moreover, Pena proved to be a clutch hitter for the Astros as nicely with two walkoff house runs through the 2022 season. He additionally shined defensively, rating second amongst MLB shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved with 16.
DARRYL KILE GOOD GUY OF THE YEAR – MARTIN MALDONADO: On the sector in 2022, Maldonado continued to show the defensive expertise which have made him one of the crucial revered defenders behind the plate within the Main Leagues. Because the Astros discipline basic, he helped information the Astros pitching employees to a record-setting season as they posted the bottom ERA within the American League and in Astros franchise historical past (2.90). On the plate, Maldonado tallied a career-high 15 house runs. Off the sector, Maldonado as soon as once more was one of many Astros high leaders. As a standup man, Maldonado was out there to the media usually, in good occasions and dangerous, serving as a spokesman for his teammates.
FRED HARTMAN LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD – MARIAN HARPER: In her 32 seasons with the Astros, Marian Harper has turn out to be a staple behind the scenes within the Houston group. At present because the Astros Vice President, Basis Improvement, Marian has helped to handle most of the profitable group outreach applications for the Astros Basis for the previous a number of seasons. That features taking part in an instrumental function within the improvement of the Astros MLB Youth Academy, a cornerstone program of the Astros Basis. Due to her tireless charitable efforts over the previous 32 years, Marian has turn out to be a recognizable determine all through Better Houston. In 2007, she was honored with the distinguished Jimmy Wynn Toy Cannon Award for distinctive group service on the Texas Baseball Corridor of Fame. She can be a member of the Astros Corridor of Fame Choice committee and works intently with Astros Alumni Affiliation, having developed long-lasting relationships with many former gamers and coaches.
The Houston BBWAA additionally introduced that longtime beat reporter Brian McTaggart will return because the Chapter Chairman for 2023.
