WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The sounds of baseball are back in West Palm Beach, as the Astros camp hits phase two with an opening of full squad workouts. Pitchers and catchers have been hard at work since Feb. 14, and now, the entire roster is in camp and ready to grind as they begin the defense of their World Series title.
PHOTOS: Astros camp training in West Palm Beach
Jose Altuve has been here in Florida for much of the offseason, and Monday morning, he reported for day one. Altuve is the reigning American League MVP after hitting .346 with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs in 2017.
“Being the MVP is something I’ll never forget. For that, I have to thank my teammates,” Altuve said before Monday’s first workout.
WATCH: Jose Altuve talks spring training, coming back after World Series win
Altuve has been described by his teammates as the ultimate team leader but he disagreed with that notion.
“Springer is our leader,” Altuve said. “He plays hard, and everybody knows he’s a superstar. He’s a top five in all of the league in talent and everything he does.”
Altvue is also excited about working alongside Carlos Correa once again. The two make up one of baseball’s best middle infields.
"Our relationship is great. The best between two players. We are really close we talk a lot. Carlos is a superstar and makes my job easier to play with a guy as young as he is and how good he is makes everything easier for me," Altuve said.
Altuve, as good as he is, wants to keep improving his game. He sets the bar high.
“I want to be like Robinson Cano as he puts in really good seasons,” Alvue said. “That’s the kind of player I want to be. I want to be consistent so I can help my team for many years.”
Altuve and all of the Astros are coming off of a hectic offseason particularly right after winning the World Series.
“The first month was crazy and a little awkward for me. I’m not used to having attention, and (being) in front of a lot of cameras. But it is something you have to do after you win the World Series," Altuve said. "I went to different places, but then it got quiet as I went to my house and spent time with my family and tried to get ready. It was a short offseason, but I feel better and couldn’t wait anymore. I wanted to start spring training last month. I want to start the season right now. We have a bright season waiting for us.”
The Astros will work out all week and play their first spring game on Friday in West Palm Beach against the Nationals.