Big things are expected from the Houston Astros after reaching the World Series last year.
They eventually fell against the Atlanta Braves, but they remain an elite team and are one of the favorites to advance to the Fall Classic in 2022.
They have to finalize their 28-man roster first.
Manager Dusty Baker is still in the process of evaluating the talent he has at hand, just like every other MLB organization.
When asked if he has told any players if they have made the team, however, Baker came up with one of his clever answers.
“Dusty Baker was asked if he’s told anyone they’ve made the team. ‘Told Altuve’,” Astros reporter Julia Morales tweeted on Friday, with a picture of the star second baseman seated near the dugout.
Dusty Baker was asked if he’s told anyone they’ve made the team. “Told Altuve.” pic.twitter.com/b2VrsatgbE
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) April 1, 2022
If you have been following Major League Baseball for the last decade, you will find that quote very amusing.
Will Altuve Make The Roster? Kidding!
Altuve is one of the game’s brightest stars and there is no question whatsoever that he will make the Astros roster on their new quest to the championship.
They will have some absences on the roster for the 2022 campaign, the most painful of them being shortstop Carlos Correa, who was Altuve’s double-play partner since 2015.
Houston will enjoy the return to health of ace Justin Verlander, who missed the entire 2021 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
In the meantime, Altuve will likely work to top last year’s numbers and, why not, have a shot at the MVP award, which he won in 2017.
In 2021, he slashed .278/.350/.489 with 31 home runs and 5.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
He finished second in WAR in Houston, behind Correa’s 5.8, and is poised for another big year.
NEXT: Astros Reveal Justin Verlander's Spot In The 2022 Rotation