Pete Alonso, one of the most prolific power hitters in baseball, has decided not to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby. The New York Mets first baseman, who won the event in both 2019 and 2021 and has competed in five consecutive Derbies, said he’s stepping back to rest and refocus for the second half of the season. Despite skipping the competition, Alonso remains a key piece of the Mets’ roster and will still appear in the All-Star Game, boasting 20 home runs and 73 RBIs through the team’s first 91 games.
He’s not the only big name bowing out this year. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, a three-time All-Star and two-time Derby participant, also declined an invite. Schwarber expressed interest in returning when the event comes to Philadelphia next year but is opting out this time around. With several top stars—including Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani—also expected to sit out, the 2025 Derby lineup will look different. Confirmed participants so far include Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, Washington rookie James Wood, and Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who recently returned from injury and is gaining momentum heading into the break.
