Yordan Alvarez Is On Pace to Win Two Types of Triple Crowns
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros is on track to achieve the 17th Triple Crown in MLB history, potentially becoming only the second player with 50 or more home runs to do so, joining Mickey Mantle.
- Alvarez also has a chance to win the rare Slash Triple Crown (leading in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging), a feat last accomplished by Carl Yastrzemski in 1967.
- Alvarez’s exceptional balance and plate discipline make him one of the most powerful two-strike hitters in recent generations, maintaining elite slugging and batting averages even when protecting the plate.
- The San Diego Padres have adopted a playoff-style approach for their remaining July games, using quick pitching changes and heavy bullpen usage to maximize their chances amid a tight wild card race.
- This aggressive strategy by the Padres, led by manager Craig Stammen, carries the risk of overworking their bullpen but reflects the urgency of their playoff push ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
