RADIO
Yordan Alvarez Won't Take Part in Home Run Derby
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez, the front-runner for MVP in the American League this year, said he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. "I'm still open," Alvarez said on Sunday, "but not this year." Alvarez hit his 25th home run of the year in Sunday's 2-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park, and he trails only Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber for the major-league home run lead. Alvarez had an invitation to take part in the 2022 Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium, but he went on the injured list with a right-hand injury right before the All-Star break. He also missed the 2023 All-Star game due to an oblique injury. The Astros haven't had a competitor in the Home Run Derby since third baseman Alex Bregman did it in both 2018 and 2019. Alvarez is set to compete in his fourth career All-Star game next month in Philly. He's currently slashing .322/.428/.640, and his 1.068 OPS and .640 slugging percentage lead all of baseball. After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that limited him to only 48 games, the former AL Rookie of the Year has bounced back in a huge way in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
