Yordan Alvarez ties MLB home run lead with 32nd homer in Astros' win

Yordan Alvarez tied Kyle Schwarber for the major-league home run lead on July 21, 2026, with his 32nd blast of the season. His two-homer performance powered the Houston Astros to an 8-5 win over the Miami Marlins, keeping them within 3.5 games of first place in the AL West.

What happened in the game?

Alvarez went 3-for-4 with two homers and two RBIs, raising his season totals to 33 home runs and 75 RBIs. His .324 batting average leads the AL by 13 points over Yandy Diaz. The Astros improved to 48-54 despite their pitching struggles, thanks largely to Alvarez’s historic offensive production.

Why it matters for Yordan Alvarez

Alvarez became the first Astro since 1994 to hit 33 home runs in his first 100 games. He’s on pace for a 50-homer season and leads the AL in all three Triple Crown categories. His dominance has kept Houston in playoff contention despite their pitching woes.

What comes next for the Astros?

With the trade deadline approaching on August 3, the Astros face a decision. Their farm system is depleted, but Alvarez’s performance gives them reason to add talent rather than sell. Owner Jim Crane’s resistance to rebuilding and GM Dana Brown’s expiring contract add urgency to the situation.

Alvarez’s presence alone makes Houston a dangerous team. His .432 on-base percentage and 1.083 OPS are the best in the AL. The Astros will need to decide whether to bolster their roster or cash in on their remaining assets before the deadline.

How Alvarez’s season compares historically

Alvarez is the first Astro since Jeff Bagwell in 1994 to hit 33 home runs in his first 100 games. He’s drawn more intentional walks (16) than 26 MLB teams. His combination of power and plate discipline has him on track for a historic season.

The Astros’ playoff odds sit at 13.7% according to FanGraphs, but Alvarez’s performance gives them hope. His ability to carry the offense has kept Houston competitive in a weak AL West division.