Pete Alonso Skipps 2025 Home Run Derby – Fans Wonder If He’ll Compete Next Year or Join Yankees in Free Agency

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso will not participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby, marking his first absence from the event since his MLB debut. The two-time champion cited personal reasons for skipping the competition, though he left the door open for a potential return in future years.

Fans are now speculating whether Alonso’s decision hints at broader career moves, including his impending free agency and rumored interest from teams like the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Derby field will feature rising stars like James Wood and Ronald Acuña Jr., but the absence of marquee sluggers like Alonso and Kyle Schwarber raises questions about the event’s star power this season.

Pete Alonso Skips 2025 Home Run Derby – Will He Make a Comeback in 2026?

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, has decided to skip this year’s event at Truist Park in Atlanta. While Alonso has been a staple of the Derby since his rookie season, he cited the need for rest as his primary reason for declining the invitation. However, he left the door open for a potential return in future years, stating, “I love the Derby, but this year wasn’t the right time.”

Alonso’s absence leaves a significant void in the competition, as he’s known for putting on spectacular power displays. His back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2021 made him one of the most successful Derby participants in recent memory. The event will undoubtedly miss his charismatic presence and prodigious home run power.

Alonso’s decision makes perfect sense. After playing through injuries last season, he needs to prioritize his health for the Mets’ playoff push.

But won’t fans miss seeing Polar Bear Pete crushing moonshots? The Derby just won’t be the same without him!

Could Alonso’s Free Agency Influence His Derby Participation Next Year?

With Alonso set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, many wonder if his future team situation could impact his Derby participation. Some speculate that if he joins a new team like the Yankees, their conservative approach to player health might further discourage Derby participation.

The Yankees have historically been cautious about their stars participating in the event, with Aaron Judge famously declining multiple invitations despite being one of baseball’s premier power hitters. If Alonso were to sign with New York, he might face similar pressures to avoid the Derby to prevent potential injury risks.

How Free Agency Could Shape Alonso’s Derby Future

Teams vary in their willingness to let players participate in the Home Run Derby. Small-market teams often see it as valuable exposure for their stars, while contenders sometimes prefer their players to skip the event to minimize injury risk. Alonso’s future team’s philosophy could significantly influence whether we see him in future Derbies.

Who Will Fill the Void in the 2025 Home Run Derby Without Alonso?

With Alonso and other big names like Kyle Schwarber and Teoscar Hernández bowing out, the 2025 Derby field features some fresh faces. Confirmed participants include:

• Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – MLB home run leader with 35
• James Wood (Nationals) – Rising star with 23 homers
• Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves) – Returning from ACL injury
• Byron Buxton (Twins) – Longtime power-speed threat

While these players are exciting in their own right, none carry the same Derby pedigree as Alonso, who has become synonymous with the event over the past six years.

Will Pete Alonso Ever Reclaim His Home Run Derby Crown?

Despite skipping this year’s event, Alonso hasn’t ruled out future participation. His comments suggest he views this as a temporary break rather than permanent retirement from the Derby. Given his competitive nature and love for the spotlight, many expect him to return at some point.

History shows that Derby champions often return to defend their titles. Ken Griffey Jr. won three times over several years, while Prince Fielder and Yoenis Céspedes made multiple appearances after their initial wins. Alonso’s power swing seems tailor-made for Derby success, making a future comeback highly plausible.

How Does Alonso’s Derby Hiatus Compare to Other MLB Stars?

Alonso isn’t alone in choosing to skip the Home Run Derby during his prime. Many elite power hitters have avoided the event to focus on their regular season performance or avoid injury risk.

This context shows Alonso’s decision fits a broader trend among MLB stars prioritizing long-term health over exhibition events.

Could Alonso’s Yankees Rumors Affect His All-Star Game Plans Too?

With persistent rumors linking Alonso to the Yankees in free agency, fans wonder if his All-Star selections might be impacted by a potential team change. While the Derby is voluntary, All-Star selection is merit-based, meaning Alonso would likely continue making the team regardless of his uniform.

However, Yankees fans are historically enthusiastic voters, which could boost Alonso’s All-Star chances if he joins their franchise. The combination of his prolific power and New York’s fan base might make him a perennial All-Star lock for years to come.