Yordan Alvarez, currently the American League's home run leader with 25 homers, has announced he will not participate in the upcoming Home Run Derby. The Houston Astros star, who is also leading in slugging percentage and OPS, has never competed in the event. While he is the top vote-getter for the AL All-Star game, Alvarez is focused on returning from injuries that limited his play last season. He remains in the MVP and Comeback Player of the Year discussions due to his impressive performance this year. The Derby is set for July 13, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park.

By the Numbers
  • Yordan Alvarez leads the majors with a slugging percentage of .635 and OPS of 1.066.
  • He has hit 25 home runs in the season thus far, leading the American League.
State of Play
  • No confirmed hitter has committed to this year's Home Run Derby yet.
  • Ben Rice from the Yankees has expressed interest in participating.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Alvarez will continue to focus on maintaining his high performance, which could solidify his position for MVP and Comeback Player of the Year. The field for the Home Run Derby will likely become clearer as the event date approaches, with more players potentially announcing their participation.

Bottom Line

Alvarez's decision to skip the Derby highlights his commitment to recovering and excelling through the remainder of the season; fans will have to wait for future opportunities to see him in the event.