Yordan Alvarez won’t be swinging for the fences at this year’s Home Run Derby, despite putting together one of the most dominant offensive seasons in baseball.
The Houston Astros slugger told Chandler Rome of The Athletic he’s passing on the derby this season, even though he’s practically a lock for the AL All-Star team and likely the starting DH spot.
“I’m still open, but not this year,” Alvarez said about participating in the Home Run Derby.
It’s a decision that’ll leave some fans scratching their heads, especially considering what Alvarez is doing at the plate right now.
This season, he’s slashing .322 with 25 homers and leading MLB with a ridiculous 1.067 OPS and 193 OPS+. Those numbers put him squarely in MVP territory, and his 25 long balls lead all American League hitters.
Kyle Schwarber’s got him beat overall with 29 homers after going deep four times in two games recently, but Alvarez has been the most complete hitter in the AL this season.
The timing makes Alvarez’s decision even more interesting. Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia is hosting this year’s derby, and that ballpark has always been friendly to left-handed power hitters like Alvarez. The dimensions and wind patterns there could’ve been perfect for showcasing his massive raw power.
What makes this different is that Alvarez isn’t ruling out future participation entirely. He’s leaving the door open for down the road, which suggests this might be more about timing than interest level.
The Astros haven’t had the season they expected as a team, sitting well back in the AL West race. Maybe Alvarez wants to focus entirely on trying to get Houston back into playoff contention rather than the spectacle of derby participation.
From a pure entertainment standpoint, it’s disappointing. Alvarez has the kind of easy, powerful swing that translates perfectly to derby format. His ability to drive balls 450+ feet on a regular basis would’ve made him a legitimate contender for the title.
But players have their reasons for these decisions, whether it’s workload management, focusing on team goals, or simply not wanting the pressure that comes with derby participation. Alvarez has earned the right to make that call.
The derby will go on without one of the game’s premier power threats, but there’s always next year if Alvarez changes his mind about participating.
