The 2025 Home Run Derby will proceed without several high-profile participants, including Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge. Crow-Armstrong openly declared during a recent press conference that he has no plans to compete in the event, joining other notable players like Cubs’ Kyle Tucker who have also chosen to sit out. This trend has somewhat reduced the star power of the Derby compared to previous years.
Crow-Armstrong made it clear when asked about his participation, stating simply that the Derby is not for him and that he would rather rest and prepare for the All-Star Game. His explanation highlighted the unique demands of the competition, which do not align with his current approach to managing his workload during the season.
“That’s a different kind of power, I think,” Pete Crow-Armstrong said [1:14 – 1:33]. “That’s a different kind of power. I don’t know if I can withstand however long the timer is there. That’d be a struggle.”
Aaron Judge remains firm on skipping the Home Run Derby
Aaron Judge has maintained a consistent position similar to that of the previous year, choosing not to participate in the Home Run Derby unless it is hosted at Yankee Stadium. Judge has expressed no intention of joining the event elsewhere, further contributing to the absence of marquee names in the competition. His stance reflects a personal and team-based perspective on when and where he feels comfortable competing in such a high-profile contest.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s excitement about the All-Star weekend despite skipping the Derby
While Crow-Armstrong will not be joining the Home Run Derby, he remains enthusiastic about his role in the upcoming All-Star weekend. He and Kyle Tucker will both represent the National League and are eager to contribute to their teams in the All-Star Game. Crow-Armstrong values the opportunity to share the field with top talents like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, acknowledging the significance of the event beyond the Derby itself.
“I mean, being able to share the field with guys like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge and all that’s great,” Armstrong said. (TS- 0:25)
“But, I see it as I get to do that every day with [Kyle Tucker] and [Ian] Happ. I’m just trying to be another piece in the puzzle to what the Cubbies are doing. It’ll be cool if it happens. If it happens, it happens. If not, I get a nice week off.”
Crow-Armstrong emphasized his focus on contributing to the Chicago Cubs and helping the team during the All-Star period. He views skipping the Derby as an opportunity to rest while still embracing the chance to compete alongside baseball’s elite players.
Impact on the Home Run Derby and MLB fan experience
The choice by players like Aaron Judge and Pete Crow-Armstrong to sit out the Home Run Derby marks a continued shift in how top athletes approach the event. With several leading hitters opting to avoid the competition, the Derby’s appeal could be affected, potentially altering fan expectations and the event’s overall dynamic. However, these players’ decisions highlight the balance athletes seek between showcasing power and managing their season workload. Fans can still anticipate an exciting All-Star weekend, even as some stars focus on rest and recovery.