Yordan Alvarez's Blunt Home Run Derby Admission Triggers Online Buzz
The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the best All-Star events in pro sports, but Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez doesn’t seem to be too interested in joining the event.
Via Chandler Rome of The Athletic:
Through an interpreter, Yordan Alvarez said the Home Run Derby is “something I’m not super motivated to do at this moment.” Alvarez is one of two finalists to start the All-Star Game at DH for the American League.
Alvarez may be more focused on helping the Astros catch the Seattle Mariners atop the American League West standings. After a slow start to the season, the Astros have been on a roll of late, having won nine of their last 10 games to move just three games back of the Mariners.
The Astros are also on a three-game win streak after opening a road series versus the Toronto Blue Jays with a 3-1 win on Monday, in which Alvarez went 1-for-3 with a home run—his 17th of the year.
Jun 29, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Alvarez would be an exciting player to watch at the Derby if he ends up joining the event. So far in the 2024 MLB season, the former World Series Most Valuable Player and two-time All-Star is hitting 294/.372/.528 with 17 home runs and 43 RBIs.
He is also on the 94th percentile in the big leagues in terms of average exit velocity and 79th in terms of hard-hit rate, per Statcast.
"He is smart, why ruin your swing."
"His HR Derby happens in October and November"
"Alvarez knows about the HR Derby curse.."
"Good. Arlington doesn’t deserve that show."
"Good call. Let the guys who don’t play every sept and oct get some shine"
"all star selections are what matter most from that freak show week anyway"