GOOD NEWS: A New Chapter for the José Altuve Family—Houston Astros Star Welcomes Newborn Baby Named in Tribute to Franchise Legend
HOUSTON, TX — In a heartfelt moment that has fans across Houston and beyond smiling, Houston Astros superstar José Altuve and his wife Nina have welcomed a new member into their family. The news comes as both a joyous celebration and a touching tribute, as the couple named their newborn baby in honor of an Astros legend who helped shape the very identity of the franchise.
The announcement came late Friday night, with a post shared on social media by Nina Altuve showing a tender photo of José cradling the newborn in a hospital room filled with balloons in the familiar orange and navy blue. But what truly caught the attention of Astros Nation—and the baseball world—was the name: Craig José Altuve, in a direct tribute to Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, one of the most iconic players in Houston Astros history.
A Family Moment That Resonates
“Words can’t describe this feeling,” José wrote in the caption. “We’re so blessed to welcome Craig José into our family. He’s named after a player I looked up to from the moment I joined this franchise. Craig Biggio’s legacy is something I carry with me every time I put on that Astros jersey.”
The moment marks a new personal chapter in Altuve’s already storied career—one filled with MVP accolades, a World Series title, and the love of a city that has embraced him as one of their own. But now, with fatherhood expanding once more, the 34-year-old is entering what many would consider the most rewarding role of all: being a dad again.
Honoring a Houston Icon
The decision to name his son after Craig Biggio speaks volumes about Altuve’s respect for Astros history and the players who came before him. Biggio, who spent his entire 20-year MLB career with the Astros, is a seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and the franchise’s all-time leader in hits (3,060). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
“Craig was the heartbeat of this organization for so long,” Altuve said in a short media call arranged by the team. “He showed us what loyalty, grit, and leadership look like. I wanted my son to carry a name that represents those values.”
Fans were quick to share their approval online, flooding the comment sections with congratulatory messages and fond memories of Biggio. Some even pointed out the beautiful symmetry: Biggio’s career helped bridge the old Astrodome era into the team’s move to Minute Maid Park—while Altuve has been the face of the club’s transformation into a perennial powerhouse in the modern era.
Teammates React with Emotion and Humor
News of the baby’s name sent a ripple of emotion through the Astros’ clubhouse as well. Several teammates paused their pregame routines to offer their congratulations. Outfielder Kyle Tucker called it “a beautiful tribute,” and pitcher Framber Valdez joked, “I hope Craig Jr. doesn’t throw harder than me in ten years.”
Even Astros manager Joe Espada chimed in with a smile, saying, “This is a very Altuve move—humble, classy, and always thinking about the bigger picture. Craig Biggio is part of the Astros’ soul, and now his name will live on in a new way.”
Biggio himself, now serving as a special advisor to the team, issued a statement through the club: “It’s incredibly humbling to know that José and Nina thought of me in this way. José has meant so much to this team, this city, and this game. I’m honored, and I can’t wait to meet the little guy.”
A Bittersweet Parallel
Interestingly, the baby news comes at a time when Altuve is battling through a physically challenging season. After missing a stretch of games due to a minor oblique injury, the second baseman recently returned to the lineup—but has openly admitted that juggling rehab, a grueling MLB schedule, and family life has been tough.
Still, the arrival of his son seems to have energized him emotionally.
“Being back out there with the guys is always a blessing,” Altuve said. “But being home and seeing my daughter Melanie hold her baby brother… that’s something else. That’s forever.”
He added that he plans to take a brief family leave to spend quality time with his growing family before diving into the final months of the Astros’ playoff push.
A Legacy Carried Forward
José Altuve has long represented the soul of the modern Astros. At just 5-foot-6, his journey from an overlooked teenager in Venezuela to a perennial All-Star has become legend. But beyond the numbers—batting titles, Silver Sluggers, and postseason heroics—it’s moments like this that make him a pillar in Houston’s community.
“It’s crazy how things come full circle,” said Astros fan and longtime season ticket holder Maria Esquivel. “I remember watching Biggio and Bagwell with my dad, and now I take my kids to watch Altuve. And now Altuve’s naming his son Craig. It’s like the spirit of the Astros keeps living on through these guys.”
Looking Ahead
With baby Craig José now part of the Altuve household, and a playoff race heating up in the American League, Astros fans have another reason to cheer. Whether it’s his bat that brings crowds to their feet or the way he honors the game’s past, Altuve continues to prove that greatness is not just measured by stats—but also by heart.
And as the newest member of the Altuve family enters the world with a name so rich in baseball meaning, one thing is clear:
The legacy of the Houston Astros isn’t just being built—it’s being passed down. One name, one generation, and one incredible tribute at a time.
