What is Jose Altuve's Net Worth and Salary?
Jose Altuve is a Venezuelan professional baseball player with a net worth of $60 million and an annual salary of $26 million. Known as the All-Star second baseman for the Houston Astros, Altuve has made significant contributions to Major League Baseball.
Early Life
Born on May 6, 1990, in Maracay, Venezuela, Jose Carlos Altuve showed early promise in baseball. At seven, he met Salvador Perez, who would become a catcher for the Kansas City Royals, and their mutual competitiveness spurred them to excel in the sport.
At sixteen, Altuve attended a Houston Astros tryout camp but was initially turned away due to his height and skepticism about his age. Determined, he returned with his birth certificate and impressed the team officials enough to earn a $15,000 undrafted free agent contract.
In 2007, Altuve had a standout season in the Venezuelan Summer League and went on to join the Astros minor league system in the U.S. His success included being named an All-Star and Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year in 2011, leading to his major league call-up, bypassing the Class AAA level.
MLB Career
Jose Altuve debuted in the major leagues in mid-2011, representing the Astros at the All-Star Futures Game. His initial success was followed by a slump but he rebounded to make his first All-Star game the next year.
In 2014, Altuve made history by becoming the first player in over 80 years to achieve 130 hits and 40 stolen bases before the All-Star break. He also became the first Astro to win a batting title with a .341 average.
In 2017, Altuve played a key role in the Astros' World Series Championship win against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His accolades that year included the AP Athlete of the Year, AL Hank Aaron Award, AL MVP, and co-Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Additionally, he won The Sporting News Major League Player of the Year, Baseball America's Major League Player of the Year, and the MLB's Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.
In 2019, Altuve was named to the All-MLB Second Team and the ALCS MVP, securing the Astros' World Series spot with a pivotal home run off Aroldis Chapman in Game 6.
In 2022, Altuve and the Astros won the World Series again, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies. His accomplishments include being an eight-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, three-time AL batting champion, and a Gold Glove Award recipient.
Astros Cheating Scandal
In 2019, the Astros' sign-stealing scandal during their 2017 World Series run surfaced. Altuve faced scrutiny but denied wearing a wire, as confirmed by MLB. He expressed regret over any cheating but refrained from discussing his teammates' involvement.
Contracts & Earnings
After signing modest one-year deals in 2012 and 2013, Altuve secured a four-year, $12.5 million contract extension in 2013, with options earning him $9-$9.5 million in 2018 and 2019.
In March 2018, Altuve signed a five-year, $151 million contract, boosting his annual salary to $26 million and extending his stay in Houston until 2024. His career earnings are expected to exceed $160 million by 2024.
Personal Life
Jose Altuve is the shortest active MLB player, standing at 5 feet 6 inches. He and his wife, Nina, have a daughter and reside in Pearland, Texas.
