Yordan Álvarez Hits AL-Leading 25th Homer, Rules Out 2026 Home Run Derby

June 21, 2026

Cuban designated hitter Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros hit his American League-leading 25th home run of the season on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as Houston defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-1. On the same day, Álvarez confirmed he will not participate in the Home Run Derby at next month's All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Álvarez launched a solo shot to right-center off Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi in the first inning to put the Astros up 1-0. It was his first home run in seven games, snapping a drought since he hit two in Kansas City on June 12.

Taiwan-born starter Kai-Wei Teng (4-6) was the story on the mound, tossing six quality innings while allowing just one run on four hits with four strikeouts — snapping a three-start losing streak. Josh Hader closed it out in the ninth inning for his fifth save of the season.

Álvarez leads the American League with 25 home runs, though Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber tops the overall MLB leader board with 28. Through Sunday, the Las Tunas native has driven in 56 runs and remains a leading AL MVP candidate. The Astros improved to 37-42, going 17-11 since hitting a season-worst 20-31 on May 20.

After the game, Álvarez told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that he does not plan to enter the Home Run Derby this year. "I'm still open," he said through an interpreter, "but not this year." He previously passed on the event in 2022 (hand injury) and 2023 (oblique injury). In 2024 he had expressed interest in eventually participating.

Despite sitting out the Derby, Álvarez appears on track for a fourth All-Star selection — he was the top vote-getter in the AL in the first round of fan balloting. "I don't think it's a secret right now they're pitching me with a lot of caution. So I have to make adjustments to not chase pitches that they want me to chase," he said.