Altuve achieves elite status with stellar 2016

HOUSTON — He’s no longer a novelty. He’s no longer known more for his height than his accomplishments. He’s not just one of the best second basemen in the Majors. Jose Altuve has arrived, cementing himself in 2016 as baseball’s best hitter.

The 5-foot-6 All-Star has made a career out of proving people wrong, and 2016 was no exception. Just when you thought he couldn’t play at a higher level, Altuve had the best season of his career with the Astros. He won his second American League batting title in three years, hitting .338 with career highs in homers (24) and RBIs (96) to go along with 30 steals, 42 doubles, a .928 OPS and 7.6 Wins Above Replacement. He led the AL in hits for the third year in a row and was named to his fourth All-Star team.

Take 10: Top stories of 2016 Rockies’ Story wrote long-ball tale Scherzer’s 20-K gem one for the ages Wild October caps “Year of Reliever” Ichiro makes history again Baby Bombers make mark Vin delivers memorable farewell Altuve achieves elite status Dec. 30: Big Papi calls it a career Dec. 31: Cubs a team for the ages Jan. 1: Game 7 caps amazing season

Altuve finished third in the AL Most Valuable Player Award balloting, behind Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, and …

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