Yordan Alvarez has become one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting and powerful hitters. Fans love watching him step up to the plate, knowing he can change the game with a single swing. In 2025, Alvarez is not just a star for the Houston Astros but also a key figure in the league, both for his on-field performance and his growing popularity off the field.
His journey from Cuba to MLB stardom is a story of talent, determination, and family support. As he continues to rack up awards, home runs, and big moments, Alvarez’s financial success has followed, with a lucrative contract and endorsement deals making him one of the highest-earning players in baseball.
Yordan Alvarez’s Biography
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Yordan Ruben Alvarez |
Date of Birth | June 27, 1997 |
Age | 27 (as of April 2025) |
Education | Not publicly available |
Nationality | Cuban |
Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
Weight | 237 lbs (108 kg) |
Turned Pro | 2016 (signed as international free agent) |
Net Worth (2025) | $15 million |
Salary (2025) | $15,000,000 |
Career Earnings | $43,316,750 |
Wife | Monica Quiros Alvarez |
Children | Mia (b. 2018), Jordan (b. 2021) |
Instagram Profile | @yordan4342 |
Twitter Profile | Not publicly listed |
Early Career
Yordan Alvarez was born on June 27, 1997, in Las Tunas, Cuba, where baseball is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Growing up, Alvarez was surrounded by a supportive family who recognized his natural athletic ability early on.
His father, Agustin, played a crucial role in nurturing his love for baseball, often encouraging Yordan to practice and improve his skills. As a teenager, Alvarez joined the Leñadores de Las Tunas, a team in Cuba’s top professional league, the Cuban National Series.
In his first season, he faced challenges, hitting just .196, but he didn’t let that slow him down. Instead, he worked hard to improve, and in his second season, he raised his batting average to .351 and drove in 17 runs over 40 games. This improvement showed scouts and coaches that Alvarez had the potential to become an elite player.
Life in Cuba was not easy for aspiring athletes, especially those dreaming of playing in Major League Baseball. The political and economic situation made it difficult for Cuban players to get noticed by MLB teams. Alvarez’s family wanted a better future for him, so in 2014, they made the difficult decision to leave Cuba.
They settled in the Dominican Republic, where Alvarez could train freely and showcase his skills to international scouts. In the Dominican Republic, Yordan worked with Aldo Marrero, a respected hitting coach known for helping Cuban players transition to the next level. Marrero helped Alvarez refine his swing, focusing on his balance and timing, which would later become trademarks of his hitting style.
Despite his obvious talent, Alvarez’s journey to the United States was filled with uncertainty. He established residency in Haiti to become eligible to sign with an MLB team. During this time, he participated in various showcases, hoping to catch the eye of a major league scout.
Some teams were hesitant because Alvarez was still developing physically, and there were questions about his defensive position. However, his bat spoke for itself. His raw power and smooth left-handed swing eventually won over scouts, and in June 2016, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as an international free agent with a $2 million signing bonus.
Professional Career
Yordan Alvarez made his Major League Baseball debut for the Houston Astros on June 9, 2019. He wasted no time making an impact, hitting a home run in his first game. Alvarez’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular.
In just 87 games, he batted .313 with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year award unanimously. His .655 slugging percentage was the highest ever for a qualified rookie, and he quickly became known for his ability to hit the ball hard and far.
Alvarez’s power at the plate turned him into one of the league’s most feared hitters. In 2020, his season was cut short due to injury, limiting him to just two games. However, he bounced back in 2021, playing 144 games and hitting .277 with 33 home runs and 104 RBIs. His clutch performances helped the Astros reach the postseason, and he was named the ALCS MVP after a dominant series against the Boston Red Sox.
The 2022 season was another milestone year for Alvarez. He hit 37 home runs, drove in 97 runs, and posted a .306 batting average. Alvarez was selected to his first All-Star Game and won his first Silver Slugger Award.
He also delivered one of the most memorable moments in Astros history during the World Series, hitting a go-ahead home run in Game 6 that helped secure the championship for Houston. His postseason heroics and consistent production at the plate earned him third place in AL MVP voting.
In 2023, Alvarez continued to be a force, hitting 31 home runs in 114 games with a .293 average. Injuries limited his playing time, but he remained one of the most productive hitters in the league. The following year, in 2024, Alvarez played 147 games, batting .308 with 35 home runs and 86 RBIs. He ranked among the league leaders in batting average, home runs, and slugging percentage.
By 2025, Alvarez had firmly established himself as the Astros’ centerpiece and one of MLB’s elite sluggers. His ability to hit for both power and average, combined with his knack for delivering in big moments, made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Alvarez’s defensive versatility, playing both designated hitter and left field, added further value to his team.
Throughout his career, Alvarez has been recognized for his work ethic, humility, and dedication to improving his game. His journey from Cuba to MLB stardom is a story of overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and making the most of his immense talent.
Wife
Yordan Alvarez is married to Monica Quiros Alvarez. Monica was born in Camaguey, Cuba, in February 1998.
As a child, she moved with her family to Tampa, Florida, where she attended A.P. Leto High School. Monica and Yordan met after he arrived in the United States, and they married in a private ceremony in 2021.
The couple has two children. Their daughter, Mia, was born on November 6, 2018, and their son, Jordan, was born on July 2, 2021. Monica is a dedicated homemaker and is often seen supporting Yordan at Astros games.
She shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showing their close-knit and loving relationship. The family also has two dogs and enjoys spending time together, both at home and at the ballpark.
Yordan Alvarez’s Net Worth Details
Yordan Alvarez’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025.
Contract
Yordan Alvarez signed a six-year contract extension with the Houston Astros worth $115 million, locking him in with the team through the 2028 season. The deal included a $5 million signing bonus and pays him an average annual salary of about $19.17 million.
His salary gradually increases each year, starting at $7 million in 2023 and rising to $26 million for the final three years of the contract. This extension not only rewards Alvarez for his outstanding performance but also gives the Astros long-term stability with one of their biggest stars. The contract does not include any opt-outs or player options, making Alvarez a key part of the Astros’ core well into the future.
Salary
For the 2025 MLB season, Yordan Alvarez is earning a base salary of $15 million as part of his multi-year contract with the Houston Astros. This salary reflects his growing value and importance to the team, as he continues to deliver outstanding performances year after year.
In addition to his base pay, Alvarez’s contract is structured to increase his earnings in the following seasons, rewarding his consistent production and making him one of the highest-paid players on the Astros roster. His steady rise in salary highlights both his individual achievements and the trust the organization has in his long-term contributions.
Career Earnings
Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings | Cumulative Earnings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | – | – | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
2019 | Houston Astros | $337,192 | – | $337,192 | $2,337,192 |
2020 | Houston Astros | $224,815 | – | $224,815 | $2,562,007 |
2021 | Houston Astros | $609,000 | – | $609,000 | $3,171,007 |
2022 | Houston Astros | $764,600 | $2,381,143 | $3,145,743 | $6,316,750 |
2023 | Houston Astros | $7,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $12,000,000 | $18,316,750 |
2024 | Houston Astros | $10,000,000 | – | $10,000,000 | $28,316,750 |
2025 | Houston Astros | $15,000,000 | – | $15,000,000 | $43,316,750 |
MLB Career Stats
Season | Team | Games | At Bats | Runs | Hits | Doubles | Triples | Home Runs | RBIs | Walks | HBP | Strikeouts | Stolen Bases | Batting Avg | OBP | SLG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | HOU | 87 | 313 | 58 | 98 | 26 | 0 | 27 | 78 | 52 | 2 | 94 | 0 | .313 | .412 | .655 |
2020 | HOU | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .250 | .333 | .625 |
2021 | HOU | 144 | 537 | 92 | 149 | 35 | 1 | 33 | 104 | 50 | 8 | 145 | 1 | .277 | .346 | .531 |
2022 | HOU | 135 | 470 | 95 | 144 | 29 | 2 | 37 | 97 | 78 | 6 | 106 | 1 | .306 | .406 | .613 |
2023 | HOU | 114 | 410 | 77 | 120 | 24 | 1 | 31 | 97 | 69 | 13 | 92 | 0 | .293 | .407 | .583 |
2024 | HOU | 147 | 552 | 88 | 170 | 34 | 2 | 35 | 86 | 69 | 10 | 95 | 6 | .308 | .392 | .567 |
Career | 629 | 2290 | 412 | 683 | 148 | 6 | 164 | 466 | 318 | 40 | 533 |
FAQs
1. Who is Yordan Alvarez and what position does he play?
Yordan Alvarez is a Cuban professional baseball player who serves as a designated hitter and left fielder for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball. He bats left-handed, throws right-handed, and wears jersey number 44. He made his MLB debut with the Astros in 2019 and has become one of their key offensive players.
2. What are Yordan Alvarez’s career achievements and awards?
Yordan Alvarez is a three-time All-Star and was unanimously named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2019. He won the 2021 ALCS MVP award and played a crucial role in the Astros’ 2022 World Series victory, hitting a go-ahead home run in Game 6 to help secure the championship.
3. What are Yordan Alvarez’s career MLB statistics as of April 2025?
Yordan Alvarez has a career batting average of .296, with 696 hits, 166 home runs, and 476 runs batted in. These numbers reflect his consistent power and productivity since his MLB debut in 2019.
4. How did Yordan Alvarez begin his professional baseball career?
Alvarez played two seasons in the Cuban National Series for Las Tunas before defecting from Cuba in 2016. He established residency in Haiti and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent. Shortly after, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he made his professional debut.
5. What notable records or milestones has Yordan Alvarez set?
Alvarez posted the highest slugging percentage (.655) by a qualified rookie in MLB history during his 2019 season. In the 2022 postseason, he hit the first walk-off home run in history by a team trailing by multiple runs, and delivered a pivotal go-ahead home run in the World Series.
6. What is Yordan Alvarez’s background and family story?
Yordan Alvarez was born on June 27, 1997, in Las Tunas, Cuba. His family played a significant role in his baseball journey, leaving Cuba to help him pursue a professional career. His father, Agustin, was instrumental in finding training opportunities for him in the Dominican Republic before he moved to the United States.
7. How did Yordan Alvarez join the Houston Astros?
After signing with the Dodgers in 2016, Alvarez was traded to the Houston Astros in exchange for reliever Josh Fields. This trade is considered one of the most lopsided in Astros history, as Alvarez quickly became a star for Houston.
8. What are some highlights of Yordan Alvarez’s postseason performances?
Alvarez has delivered several clutch moments in the postseason, including being named the 2021 ALCS MVP. In the 2022 playoffs, his home runs were crucial in both the Division Series and the World Series, helping the Astros secure key victories.
9. What physical attributes contribute to Yordan Alvarez’s playing style?
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 237 pounds, Alvarez is known for his power-hitting ability. His left-handed swing and strong build allow him to generate high exit velocities and consistently hit for both average and power.
10. What challenges did Yordan Alvarez face early in his career?
Early in his career, scouts doubted Alvarez’s athleticism and power, questioning his ability to play a corner outfield position. Despite these doubts, he worked hard to improve his skills, eventually proving his critics wrong with his performance in the major leagues.