While the Houston Astros have fallen behind in the AL playoff race, designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is staying firmly ahead of the pack in the chase for league MVP.

On Monday, the four-time All-Star hit two home runs while going 3-for-4 at the plate in an 8-5 win over the Miami Marlins that snapped a four-game losing skid.

With his 32nd and 33rd blasts, Alvarez, who entered as the AL's home run leader, moved into a tie with Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber for the most among all batters in 2026.

Astros DH Yordan Alvarez strengthens AL MVP case with two home runs in win over Marlins

While the Astros (48-54) aren't much of a factor in the championship picture, Alvarez is keeping the team relevant by continuing to build a legitimate case for AL MVP. After injuries limited the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year to 48 games last year, he's bounced back for what's turning into his best season, entering Monday first in the AL in not only home runs but also batting average (.319) and RBI (73) and leading the majors in on-base (.429) and slugging (.633) percentages.

Per ESPN, Alvarez is the favorite to earn league MVP honors at -165, and the odds between him and second-place Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (+450) may only grow after Monday.

The eight-year veteran went low for his first home run, a towering 428-footer to right field off an 88 mph slider, giving the Astros back-to-back home runs after shortstop Jeremy Pena hit a grand slam.

Alvarez may be putting distance between himself and his competition for AL MVP, and he's also giving Houston a pulse in the AL West, the worst division in the majors. The Texas Rangers (50-50) entered the day in first but with a negative-31 run differential before losing to the Chicago White Sox (53-46).

Even if the Astros fail to make a successful playoff push, Alvarez is well on his way to an MVP finish. He strengthened his case against the Marlins. Soon, it may be ironclad.