Jose Altuve wins American League MVP award

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The Baseball Writers Association of America has named Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve the 2017 American League Most Valuable Player. Altuve edged out New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Cleveland Indians second baseman Jose Ramirez in the voting.

Altuve won his third career and second consecutive batting title in 2017, and helped lead the Astros to the team's first World Series Championship in franchise history.

During the regular season, Altuve posted a .346 batting average and an American League-high 204 hits, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to be the outright leader in hits in his league in four consecutive seasons.

Altuve became the 11th player in MLB history to record at least 200 hits in four straight years. He led the Majors in WAR (8.4), while ranking among the top 10 American League players in runs (T-2nd, 112), on-base percentage (3rd, .410), stolen bases (3rd, 32), OPS (3rd, .957), total bases (5th, 323), slugging percentage (6th, .547) and doubles (T-9th, 39).

"All's right in the world," said Bagwell. "Jose Altuve is what makes baseball great. It doesn't matter how big you are,. It's your heart. I'm just so proud of him. He's just a feel-good story."

"I can't think of anything better," added Bagwell. "He makes baseball what it's supposed to be. For us to win the World Series, and for Jose to cap it off with the MVP, I can't think of anything better and I couldn't be more proud."

"I was so proud of him," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. "He's earned every bit of what he's done in this game. To see his smile, to see him happy, just to see his genuine disbelief this was actually happening, it's like a little snapshot of what we see every day with what he's about."

""He's getting the recognition he deserves as a great example of what right's about baseball, what's right about us," added Hinch. "I'm just really proud he's getting the recognition he deserves."

"Jose is special and he deserves it," said Astros owner Jim Crane. "I'm proud of him and he's worked hard to get it. I think it's great for Jose. He's finally getting some recognition because he's been a great player for quite some time."

"In my opinion, very well deserved," said Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. "I think the voters made the right choice. He is the best player in the American League and has been in my opinion for a few years."

"His humility and the way he goes about everything sets an example, not only for other Major Leage players, but for all kids aspiring to have a career in sports and anywhere really," added Luhnow. "He's an inspiration for anybody who's had to overcome challenges and had people bet against them. He's very deserving of this honor and it couldn't happen in a better time with the Astros winning the World Series this year. Hopefully, this is the first of many for him and for us."

"This organization, this team wouldn't be in the position we are without that guy," said Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel. "He's long overdue for this Most Valuable Player award. I've got nothing but love for him because he's meant a lot to me in my career."

The guy should be the face of baseball," added Keuchel. "He's got the million-dollar smile. Everybody loves him. He's genuine. He's the best player in the league and he's a World Champion."

"It should have been unanimous, without a doubt," said Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. "He got what he deserved, the MVP."

"I think it doesn't get any better than winning a championship and the MVP in the same year," said Astros shortstop Carlos Correa.