Astros' Yordan Alvarez makes disappointing Home Run Derby decision

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Astros' Yordan Alvarez makes disappointing Home Run Derby decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Astros might not be having the best season overall, but Yordan Alvarez is putting together one of the best years of any slugger.

He's surely going to make the AL All-Star team this season and will likely be the starting DH as well. But while Alvarez is likely to make the All-Star Game roster, will he participate in the Home Run Derby with his eye-catching power?

Unfortunately, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Alvarez has made his decision, and he doesn't plan to participate in the derby this season.

Astros' Yordan Alvarez will not participate in Home Run Derby​

"I'm still open," Alvarez said about participating in the Home Run Derby. "But not this year."

While he might be open to participating in the derby some year, that isn't going to happen this season with the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.

With Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park being the site of the derby in 2026, which is a hitter-friendly park, especially for lefties, it would've been very fun to see what he could do during the derby.

But, he's passing on the chance to participate in the derby this season, despite being more than deserving to be a participant.

MORE: Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal

This season, Alvarez has 25 homers with a .322 batting average and an MLB-best 1.067 OPS and 193 OPS+.

He might not be the home-run leader, with Kyle Schwarber at 29 homers after four in two games against the New York Mets, but Alvarez's 25 homers lead all AL hitters, and he would be a top candidate for the derby.

But, as this report from Rome notes, Alvarez is passing on the chance to participate in this season. It's a bit disappointing, as it would've been fun to see him compete for the Home Run Derby crown this season.

More MLB news:​

• Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani might not be able to pitch during MLB All-Star Game
• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Tigers’ projected trade return for Tarik Skubal from Braves would be a top-100 prospect and more
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames
• Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves

Continue reading...