Overview
- On Sunday, June 21, Alvarez said “not this year” when asked about the July 13 Home Run Derby after hitting his 25th home run of the season.
- Alvarez leads the American League with 25 homers and ranks among MLB leaders in OPS, slugging and on-base percentage as early All‑Star voting places him atop AL position‑player tallies.
- He did not say whether he received an invitation and has never participated in the Derby, having missed past All‑Star events because of hand and oblique injuries.
- The Astros have limited Alvarez’s defensive work this season, using him mainly as the designated hitter while manager Joe Espada says he is mindful of keeping Alvarez healthy.
- Opting out preserves Alvarez for regular‑season duties and All‑Star selection and reduces short‑term risk to his availability, though he says pitchers are pitching him cautiously and he must adjust his approach to avoid chasing their plan.