Astros' Yordan Alvarez powering way into AL MVP conversations

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Astros' Yordan Alvarez powering way into AL MVP conversations originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Through the first quarter of the MLB season, New York Yankees' Aaron Judge continues to dominate AL MVP talk.

MLB insiders appear to be comfortable focusing most of their attention on Judge, a three-time winner and four-time NL MVP recipient, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez wants to interrupt the early conversations.

Entering Tuesday's matchup against Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Daikin Park, Alvarez connected on 12 home runs and slashed .326/.430/.667 through 35 appearances. His barrel percentage ranked in the 93rd percentile.

Judge, meanwhile, slashed .264/.403/.628.

Can Astros' Yordan Alvarez slug way to top award?​

Named the AL Player of the Month, Alvarez appears to be missing from much of the early MVP interest, considering the Astros do not appear to be a serious contender this season.

Will the Astros, needing to improve their pitching depth throughout the organization, eventually discuss trade options for Alvarez? Their team's earned-run average was an MLB-worst 5.78.

Fueled by Alvarez, the Astros' offense generated 181 runs, the fifth-most in the league. The aging Astros' roster could also benefit from adding additional prospects.

Alvarez would be an enticing addition to a contender in need of an offensive boost. In 36 appearances, his 45 hits ranked second in the MLB and his .333 batting average ranked fourth.

If Alvarez wants to stop all the early MVP talk about Judge and Ohtani, he may have to do it in another location. If he does, though, Alvarez will likely ignite a multi-generational conversation: Should a DH be considered for MVP?

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