Just a few years ago, you couldn’t picture a Home Run Derby without Pete Alonso’s signature swagger, the bat drop, the grin, and the towering blasts that left fans and pitchers equally stunned. He turned the event into an absolute showcase of his skills and flair, winning it twice and earning a rep as the Derby king. So, when the announcement came that Alonso was going to miss the 2025 event despite being selected as an All-Star and having a season comeback, it surprised not only his fans but also the Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.

Mendoza openly discussed his thoughts during a candid interview with Todd Frazier on Foul Territory. Recognized for his composed demeanor and focus, Mendoza was honest about his feelings.

Alonso has been excellent this season, both on and off the field. The decision not to compete seemed out of step until Mendoza peeled back the curtain. “I thought he was gonna do it. When they told me he was an All-Star, in my head I was like, ‘Alright, he’s doing the Home Run Derby.’ And then when I found out that he wasn’t, I was like, ‘Hmm,’” the skipper said.

He further added, “But watching him this year with the way he’s preparing, how meticulous he is, the guy’s on a mission. So I’m not surprised. He felt it was best for him and for the team, and I respect that.”

So, Alonso isn’t skipping the Derby out of fatigue or disinterest; he’s locked in on a bigger goal. And Mendoza, while surprised at first, sees the bigger picture as well: a player prioritizing October over headlines.

Of course, the moment didn’t pass without some teasing from Frazier. “You’re mad, that’s what it is,” he joked. “You were hoping he’d ask you to throw to him!” Mendoza shot back, laughing, “Nah, I don’t throw BP no more, Crouchy.” But Frazier fact-checked him instantly: “When did that happen? Just in spring training, you were throwing BP.”

Well, the conversation was playful, but it underlined something more serious. Alonso, once the face of the Derby, is evolving, now channeling his energy into a playoff push the Mets desperately need. And, Mendoza is backing him.

As the Mets charge into the second half of the season, their captain’s decision to skip the spotlight may be the clearest sign yet that something special is brewing in Queens.

A five-time Mets All-Star, but a first-time spectator

For the first time since launching his MLB career with jaw-dropping power, Pete Alonso won’t be launching baseballs into the night sky during the Home Run Derby. Yes, he has decided to take a breather, not because he’s lost the edge, but because he is focusing on something else.

“I just decided not to do it this year,” the 30-year-old said. “I’ve 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.”

The decision comes amid what might be Alonso’s most complete season yet. He’s slashing .290/.383/.934, which is not the stat line of someone slowing down. “I’m in a groove with certain things,” he remarked.

Alonso’ impressive track record at Derby reflects his skill and expertise, with victories in 2019 and 2021, as well as a semi-final appearance in 2022. He is widely recognized as one of the most competitive players in the event. Fans might be disappointed that he won’t be a part of the Derby this time; however, he has rightfully earned the right to decide his journey.

Alonso emphasized that this isn’t a farewell but a temporary break. “I love the event. It’s a sick event,” he added. “I definitely will do it again. It doesn’t mean ‘No’ forever. I figure I’ll take a break.”

As Alonso steps away, a new wave of sluggers will take center stage. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr, Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, and Washington’s rising star James Wood will be there with fireworks of their own. But make no mistake, whenever Alonso decides to return, the Derby spotlight will be waiting for him.