Ever since breaking into the majors, the $54 million star first baseman has been a regular in the Home Run Derby. Back in 2019, despite being new to the big league, the slugger won the event as a Cleveland Guardians’ rookie. He followed it up by clinching another title in 2021 at Coors Field. He gave it a go in the last three seasons, too. However, he fell short each time.

As you may have picked up on the clues, it’s none other than Pete Alonso. Given his track record, it is surprising that he will be skipping the Home Run Derby this year. This weekend, Alonso earned his fifth All-Star nod, but unfortunately, he’s opting out of the derby at Truist Park.

He didn’t miss out on the reasoning. Speaking with SNY, he made his stance known. “I’ve never really fully enjoyed the three off days, so I think for me, I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half.”

We’re now in the second stretch of the 2025 season. For Alonso, staying locked in for this stretch is a priority. And his recent set of numbers backs it up.

With one week into the All-Star break, Alonso has slashed a stunning .287/.380/.543 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs till now. This Saturday after he launched two soaring home runs, he revealed being satisfied with his approach and looking forward to next week’s break.

“I love the event. It’s a sick event. For me, I just didn’t really feel motivated to do it this year. Figured just to take a break and use the break as recovery and get back at it and help the team win in the second half,” he explained further. The Polar Bear also made it clear that his absence this year doesn’t mean he will never do it. “I definitely will do it again. It doesn’t mean ‘no’ forever.”

Well, the chances of him returning next year will be multiplied if the Derby night lands at his favorite ballpark. “If an All-Star Game happens at Citi Field or another park that I love to hit at, like Fenway or Wrigley, for sure.” This time, he’d rather pass. Because this time, he wants to stay locked in for this make-or-break stretch of the season.

Now that we know Alonso is out, let’s check up on others.

Participants of the Home Run Derby 2025

As the countdown has officially begun, we finally have a clear view of the competitors. One of the first to commit was Atlanta Braves phenom Ronald Acuna Jr. After all, the Derby night will be held at his home park.

Then we’ve got Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh. To your surprise, ‘The Big Dumper’ is currently leading the league with his home runs and will be showing up at the Home Run Derby. Next up, James Wood—Washington Nationals outfielder also confirmed his presence on Thursday.

Aaron Judge, the three-time home run champion, is out for this year. He plans on returning if the event is held at Yankee Stadium. Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani, who last competed in the Home Run Derby back in 2021 will not be showing up this year. The format of Derby is not for him, as he says.

You can now count Pete Crow-Armstrong out as well. He confirmed his absence to the media in June. Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds has also declined to participate this year because it hampers his regular-season play.

Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a firm no for this year’s Derby Night. Lastly, Teoscar Hernandez, the Dodgers’ outfielder, will also pass because he has already missed a significant time this season due to injury setbacks.

Still, the lineup looks pretty competitive. Now, with just one week away from the Home Run Derby, we can’t wait to see who snatches the title. Who are you rooting for?