Astros' Alvarez says he's fully healthy for 2026 season

Slugger missed significant time in 2025 due to hand and ankle injuries

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, whose 2025 season was limited by hand and ankle ailments, says he's pain-free and fully recovered as he begins spring training this week. Alvarez, a four-time All-Star, is looking to bounce back after a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw him miss significant time due to the injuries.

Why it matters

Alvarez is a key part of the Astros' lineup and his health is crucial to the team's success. After four straight seasons of 30-plus home runs, his absence in 2025 was felt, and the Astros will need him to return to form if they hope to contend for another World Series title.

The details

Alvarez said the first couple months of the offseason were difficult due to inflammation in his left ankle, but he now feels great and has no pain. He posted a .369/.462/.569 slash line in 19 games between returning from the hand injury and the ankle injury in 2025. Alvarez does not see a need to make significant swing changes this offseason.

  • Alvarez's 2025 season ended in mid-September due to the ankle injury.
  • Alvarez reported to spring training on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Yordan Alvarez

Houston Astros slugger who is a four-time All-Star and has posted 30-plus home runs in four consecutive seasons prior to 2025.

Joe Espada

Manager of the Houston Astros who has said he plans to give Alvarez the 'majority' of his starts at designated hitter in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The first couple of months (of the offseason) were kind of difficult, because there was a little bit of inflammation in my ankle. But right now I feel great, I feel good. No pain right now.”

— Yordan Alvarez (Houston Chronicle)

“I think when I got hurt, my swing was good. So I was just trying to be a perfectionist with the stuff that I'm doing. But nothing new.”

— Yordan Alvarez (Houston Chronicle)

“I don't have any say about that. I'm just getting ready to do my job and focus on doing my job out there.”

— Yordan Alvarez (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Alvarez will look to stay healthy and return to his All-Star form as the Astros prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Alvarez's health is crucial for the Astros' success, and his ability to bounce back from the injuries that limited him in 2025 will be key to the team's World Series aspirations. If he can regain his previous form, the Astros' lineup will be one of the most formidable in baseball.