Astros Optimistic About Yordan Alvarez's Spring Training

GM says 'zero concerns at all' about star slugger's health heading into 2026 season

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:15pm

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The Houston Astros are feeling optimistic about slugger Yordan Alvarez's health heading into the 2026 MLB season. Astros GM Dana Brown said Alvarez, who missed significant time last year due to injuries, is feeling the best he has in a long time and is on pace to be ready for spring training with 'zero concerns at all'.

Why it matters

Alvarez is a key part of the Astros' lineup, having hit 31 or more home runs in four consecutive seasons before last year's injury-plagued campaign. His return to full health is crucial for the Astros to avoid missing the playoffs again after failing to reach the postseason in 2025.

The details

Alvarez played just 48 games last season due to a right-hand fracture and a left ankle sprain. Before that, he had been a three-time All-Star and finished third in AL MVP voting in 2022. Astros GM Dana Brown said Alvarez has been doing a lot of workouts and swinging the bat a lot, and the team has 'zero concerns at all' about his status heading into spring training.

  • Astros GM Dana Brown made these comments on Tuesday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Yordan Alvarez

A slugging outfielder for the Houston Astros who has been a three-time All-Star and finished third in AL MVP voting in 2022 before injuries limited him to just 48 games last season.

Dana Brown

The general manager of the Houston Astros.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is probably the best he's felt in a long time. He's been doing a lot of workouts, he's been swinging the bat a lot -- zero concerns at all.”

— Dana Brown, Astros General Manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Astros will continue to monitor Alvarez's progress throughout spring training to ensure he is fully healthy and ready for the start of the 2026 regular season.

The takeaway

The Astros are counting on a healthy Yordan Alvarez to anchor their lineup and help them return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025. His recovery from last year's injuries will be a key storyline to watch as the team prepares for the upcoming season.