HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America has announced the 2023 Astros season award winners:

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - KYLE TUCKER: Kyle Tucker, who was an All-Star for the second consecutive season in 2023, is a first-time winner of this award. In a career-high 157 games, Tucker hit .284 with 37 doubles, five triples, 29 HR and a career-high and AL-best 112 RBI. He becomes just the third player in franchise history to lead his league in RBI, joining OF Lance Berkman (128 RBI in ‘02) and 1B Jeff Bagwell (116 in ‘94). In addition to RBI, Tucker also led the Astros in stolen bases with a career-high 30. He is just one of three players in the AL to reach 29+ HR and 29+ steals in 2023. Among AL players, Tucker ranked first in RBI (112), 4th in OPS (.886), 5th in slugging pct. (.517), T-6th in doubles (37), and T-7th in walks (80), runs (97) and steals (30). Defensively, Tucker committed just one error in 314 total chances for a .990

fielding pct. while tallying eight outfield assists.

PITCHER OF THE YEAR - FRAMBER VALDEZ: Framber Valdez once again was one of the top starters in the AL in 2023, posting a 12-11 record in 31 starts with a 3.45 ERA and 200 strikeouts. Among AL starters, he ranked 3rd in innings (198.0) and 7th in strikeouts (200) and ERA (3.45). Additionally, Valdez led the AL in groundball pct. for the 4th consecutive season with a 55.0% clip. He also one of just two pitchers to hurl two shutouts this season, joining RHP Gerrit Cole. The highlight of Valdez’ 2023 season came on August 1 when he became the first southpaw in franchise history to hurl a no-hitter, defeating the Cleveland Guardians, 2-0, at Minute Maid Park. Valdez allowed just one walk, but still faced the minimum of 27 batters in his gem, needing just 93 pitches.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- YAINER DIAZ: Yainer Diaz was one of the most productive rookies in all of baseball, hitting .282 (100x355) in 104 games with 23 HR and 60 RBI while posting an .846 OPS. Among AL rookies with 350 or more plate appearances, Diaz ranked 1st in slugging pct. (.540), 2nd in batting avg. and OPS (.846), and T-3rd in HR. His 23 HR were the second-highest total ever by an Astros rookie, second to Yordan Alvarez’**s** record of 27 HR in 2019. Additionally, his 14 HR as a catcher tied the club record, first set by Mitch Meluskey in 2000. For the season, Diaz made 42 starts at catcher, 37 at DH and six at first base. 

DARRYL KILE GOOD GUY OF THE YEAR - JOSE ALTUVE: In addition to being an All-Star on the field, Jose Altuve has been a true professional off the field throughout his illustrious 13-year career. Despite the high volume of demands that come with a player of his caliber, Altuve has carried himself with class and grace when dealing with members of the media, front office staff and fans. Despite a challenging 2023 season that included multiple injuries, he maintained his friendly, calm demeanor throughout when dealing with media requests. And, he also maintained his outstanding play on the field this season, hitting .311 with 76 runs, 17 HR and 14 stolen bases while posting .915 OPS in just 90 games. He also continued to rack up career milestones, which included his 2,000th hit, 200th HR, 400th double and 1,000th run.

FRED HARTMAN LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD - DUSTY BAKER: Dusty Baker epitomizes the term “Baseball Lifer”, having spent the last 56 years crafting one of the most unique and successful careers the game has ever seen. In his 19 seasons as a Major League player, Baker was an All-Star, Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger winner and World Series champion. In 1993, after a stint as a Major League coach, he began a managerial career that will undoubtedly land him in Cooperstown in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In ‘93, Baker took over as manager of the San Francisco Giants, leading that club to 103 victories following a 72-90 season. He would go on to manage five clubs, (Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, Astros) enjoying success at each stop. He is the only manager in Major League history to lead five different teams to division titles. In his 26 seasons as a manager, he has tallied 2,183 wins, which ranks 7th all-time. His most successful stint as a manager is his current one in Houston, where he has led the Astros to postseason berths in all four of his seasons, including three division titles, two AL Pennants and a World Series championship. In addition to his on-field success as a player and manager, Baker is seen as one of the most beloved figures in baseball.

Longtime baseball beat writer Brian McTaggart has been re-elected as chairman of the Houston Chapter of the BBWAA. The Houston BBWAA awards are sponsored by Williams, Hart and Boundas, LLP in Houston. The winners will receive their awards early next season.