Full Breakdown
Yordan Alvarez Declines 2026 Home Run Derby Amid Power Surge
6/22/2026, 4:05:24 AM
Alvarez Declines Derby Participation
Houston Astros Yordan Alvarez announced Sunday that he will not compete in 2026 MLB Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. The decision came after his 25th home run of the season in a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians, keeping him atop American League home-run leaderboard. Alvarez, the leading vote-getter in first round of All-Star balloting, is on track for his fourth All-Star appearance.
Recent Performance and Home-Run Race
Before Guardians game, Alvarez posted a .322 average, .428 on-base, .640 slugging and a 1.068 OPS—league’s highest. He logged 56 RBIs, ten intentional walks (most in MLB), and trails only Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, who has 28 homers. The Astros sit at 37-42, fourth in AL West, and depend on his power.
Past Derby Invitations and Injury History
He was invited in 2022 but missed the event after a right-hand injury placed him on injured list. He missed the 2023 All-Star Game with an oblique strain. In 2024 he told Houston Chronicle he was “still open” to competing. The Astros have not had a Derby participant since Alex Bregman’s 2018-2019 appearances.
Official Comments and MLB Response
Through an interpreter, Alvarez said he feels “very good” and noted that pitchers are “pitching (to) me with a lot of caution.” He stressed the need to adjust rather than chase pitches aimed at him. The Astros issued no statement, and MLB has not commented on Derby invitation process.
Conflicting Reports on Invitation Status
Sources differ on whether Alvarez received a Derby invitation. Some reports say he “did not reveal whether he had been asked,” while others note he “did not disclose if he was invited.” MLB has offered no explanation of 2026 invitation criteria.
Verbatim Quotes
- “but not this year.” — Yordan Alvarez, Astros designated hitter
- “I feel very good right now,” — Yordan Alvarez, via interpreter
- “I don't think it's a secret right now they're pitching (to) me with a lot of caution. So I have to make adjustments to not chase pitches that they want me to chase. Sometimes I get surprised by the type of plan that they have against me, but it's my duty as a ballplayer to go out there and adjust to whatever plan they have against me.” — Yordan Alvarez, via interpreter
- “Sometimes I get surprised by the type of plan that they have against me, but it’s my duty as a ballplayer to go out there and adjust to whatever plan they have against me.” — Yordan Alvarez, via interpreter
Upcoming All-Star and Season Outlook
Alvarez remains a candidate to start All-Star Game for American League, pending fan voting. Houston opens a series against Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, with Alvarez expected to lead the lineup as the club seeks to improve its AL West standing.
