Yordan Alvarez Makes 2026 MLB Home Run Derby Decision, Astros Star Leads AL in HRs

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will be missing one of this year's top performers.

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, who leads the American League with 25 home runs, told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that while he was interested in competing in the Home Run Derby in previous years, he doesn't plan on participating in next month's annual showcase.

"I'm still open," Alvarez said on Sunday, "but not this year."

Alvarez launched his 25th homer in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians, which improved Houston's record to 37-42. He trails only Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber (28 HR) for the MLB lead.

Alvarez didn't reveal if he received an invitation to the Home Run Derby this year. He was previously invited to participate in the event in 2022, but he sat out after being placed on the injured list with a hand injury before the All-Star Game. The following year, he missed the Midsummer Classic once again with an oblique injury. In 2024, Alvarez expressed an openness to competing in the Home Run Derby.

"At some time in my career, down the line, I'm probably going to do it," he told the Houston Chronicle at the time, per Rome.

Alvarez appears to be on the verge of earning his fourth All-Star selection, as he was the leading vote getter in the AL during the first round of balloting. His home run on Sunday snapped a seven-game drought without one.

"I feel very good right now," Alvarez said through an 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."

Alvarez is hoping to stay locked in as Houston tries to stay in the hunt, and the team will try to keep the momentum going in Monday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays (38-39).