One of MLB’s most prolific sluggers declined an invite to the Home Run Derby. New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso will not take part in the event despite being a constant presence in it since his rookie season.
Alonso, 30, said he would prefer to rest over the All-Star break, and wants to be fresh in the second half to help the Mets claim a division title, per USA Today.
“I just decided not to do it this year,” Alonso told reporters on Sunday, July 6. “I have never really fully enjoyed the three off days, so I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half.”
It’s a surprising decision from Alonso, who has taken part in the Home Run Derby every year its been held since his rookie season. The 2020 Home Run Derby was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving Alonso five appearances at the event in his first six seasons in the majors.
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He’s experienced plenty of success at the event. Alonso won the Home Run Derby during his rookie season in 2019 and managed another win in 2021. With COVID disrupting the event in 2020, that gave Alonso two straight Home Run Derby wins.
Alonso reached the semifinal at the event in 2022, but failed to advanced past the first round in each of the past two seasons.
While Alonso wants to stay fresh in 2025 to help the Mets, he could have another reason for declining the event. Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million deal to return to the Mets in the offseason, but that deal contains an opt-out after 2025.
Alonso is out to a fantastic start to the season after signing that deal, and has a .287/.380/.543 slash line, with 20 home runs, over 91 games. His 164 OPS+ is the best of his career.
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Given that opt-out, Alonso has plenty of incentive to stay fresh and keep producing in the second half. If he can continue to produce at this level, Alonso will almost certainly opt out and be in line for a massive extension in the offseason. That’s likely his desired outcome after he received a shorter deal than expected last winter.
With Alonso out, only three players are confirmed for the 2025 Home Run Derby. Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña and Washington Nationals big man James Wood have all accepted invites to the event.
