Astros' Jose Altuve Reflects on Inconsistent 2025 Season

Star second baseman looks to regain consistency after up-and-down campaign.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Houston Astros veteran Jose Altuve acknowledged that his 2025 season was inconsistent, with periods of strong and poor performance. Altuve, a nine-time All-Star, saw his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage dip below his career norms, though he still managed 26 home runs. The 32-year-old is focused on regaining stability and making more hard contact in 2026 after splitting time between second base and left field last year.

Why it matters

As one of the most reliable players in baseball over the past decade, Altuve's dip in production in 2025 was noticeable. The Astros will need the former MVP to return to his consistent ways if they hope to contend for another World Series title.

The details

Altuve acknowledged that his 2025 season featured "really, really bad" stretches as well as "really, really good" periods, a departure from his typically steady performance. While he still hit 26 home runs, his .265 batting average, .329 on-base percentage, and .442 slugging percentage were all below his career norms. Altuve believes his inconsistent play may have been impacted by splitting time between second base and left field, requiring defensive adjustments. In 2026, he is expected to return to second base full-time.

  • Altuve made his comments on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jose Altuve

A nine-time MLB All-Star and former American League MVP, Altuve is a veteran second baseman for the Houston Astros.

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What they’re saying

“I think normally my seasons in the big leagues are more consistent. I feel like last year I had some times where I was really, really bad and sometimes where I was really, really good. A big separation between those two... I'm looking for more stability, more consistency. Working on my swing obviously, working on my step. Try to make some more hard contact and stay consistent through the year.”

— Jose Altuve (KHOU 11 News Houston)

What’s next

Altuve will look to regain his All-Star form in the 2026 season as the Astros aim to contend for another World Series championship.

The takeaway

Altuve's candid admission about his inconsistent 2025 campaign highlights the importance of stability and consistency for even the game's elite players. As he enters his mid-30s, Altuve will need to rediscover the form that has made him one of the most reliable hitters in baseball over the past decade.