On Sunday, Yordan Alvarez achieved a new personal milestone by hitting his 38th home run of the 2026 MLB season, breaking his previous record of 37 home runs set in 2022.
The Cuban slugger from the Houston Astros not only surpassed his own offensive limits but also continues to chase the American League Triple Crown with a .317 batting average and 95 runs batted in (RBIs).
Pursuit of the Triple Crown
However, the race for this prestigious award is far from over. In the home run category, Alvarez is currently tied with Junior Caminero, the rising Dominican star from the Tampa Bay Rays, who also boasts 38 home runs this season.
In terms of RBIs, Alvarez holds a slender lead: just one run ahead of Pete Alonso, the first baseman for the New York Mets, who has 94 compared to Alvarez's 95.
Historical Achievement in Sight
Securing the Triple Crown—leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs at the end of the regular season—is a rare feat in baseball. The last player to achieve this in the American League was Miguel Cabrera in 2012, and Alvarez is aiming to be the first since then.
Alvarez's Impressive Season
The Cuban player's season has been exceptional from the start. By April, he had already hit 10 home runs, leading the Major Leagues in that category, and by mid-July, he had a .324 batting average, 33 home runs, and 75 RBIs.
As of early August, Alvarez led the American League with a .330 average, 35 home runs, and 84 RBIs, solidifying his position as a top contender for the league's MVP.
His overall offensive stats for 2026—.315/.432/.618—place him among the most formidable hitters of the season, with over 500 at-bats and just one stolen base.
Chasing Franchise Records
With several weeks remaining in the regular season, Alvarez also has the potential to approach the Houston franchise's all-time home run record, held by Jeff Bagwell with 47, set in 2000. The Cuban is just nine home runs away from that milestone.
"Yordan keeps his Triple Crown hopes alive with a .317 average, though he is closely followed in HRs (38, tied with Junior Caminero) and RBIs (95, one ahead of Pete Alonso)," summarized journalist Francys Romero, reporting on the Cuban player's new personal record.
Yordan Alvarez's Triple Crown Pursuit: Key Questions
What is the significance of the Triple Crown in baseball?
The Triple Crown is a prestigious achievement in baseball where a player leads the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs at the end of the regular season. It is a rare accomplishment, highlighting a player's all-around offensive prowess.
Who was the last American League player to win the Triple Crown?
Miguel Cabrera was the last player in the American League to win the Triple Crown, achieving this feat in 2012.
How close is Yordan Alvarez to breaking the Houston Astros' home run record?
Yordan Alvarez is nine home runs away from breaking the Houston Astros' franchise record of 47 home runs, set by Jeff Bagwell in 2000.