New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, a five-time All-Star, announced on Sunday that he will not participate in the 2024 Home Run Derby scheduled for Monday, July 14, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Despite being closely linked to the event and winning it twice, Alonso chose to skip the Derby this year to better enjoy the All-Star festivities and gain rest ahead of the season’s second half.
Alonso explained his decision to reporters by emphasizing his need for mental and physical recovery, saying,
“I want to fully be able to enjoy the festivities.”
He also noted the intense adrenaline involved in the Derby, adding,
“As fun as it is, for me, it’s not necessarily the work or the swings. It’s more the adrenaline spikes up and down. So having that Monday off … I’m really excited to have those days off.”
A History of Strong Derby Performances and Recent Results
Since his debut in 2019, Pete Alonso has been a constant presence in the Home Run Derby, capturing titles in both 2019 and 2021. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alonso’s Derby history since then is as follows:
2019: Won the event
2021: Won the event
2022: Eliminated in the semifinals by Juan Soto
2023: Knocked out in the first round, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. advancing instead
2024: Alonso is not competing; Teoscar Hernández was eliminated in the first round
Alonso’s Focus Remains on Team Success and Potential Future Derby Participation
While stepping away from the Derby this year, Alonso expressed openness to returning in the future, particularly if the All-Star Game occurs at a ballpark where he feels especially confident hitting, such as Citi Field, Fenway Park, or Wrigley Field. He stated,
“I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half.”
He continued,
“I feel like I’m in a groove with certain things. I definitely will do [the Derby] again. It doesn’t mean no forever.”
Alonso also shared his lack of motivation for competing this year, explaining,
“I’m not necessarily called this year to do it. I love the event. It’s a sick event. I just didn’t really feel motivated to do it this year. I just figured I’d take a break, use the break as recovery and get back at it, help the team win in the second half.”
Career Milestones and Upcoming Schedule
Now 30 years old, Pete Alonso has compiled a .287 batting average with a .380 on-base percentage and a .543 slugging percentage, contributing 20 home runs and 26 extra-base hits so far this season. With 246 career home runs, he is just six shy of tying Darryl Strawberry for the most home runs in Mets franchise history. Recently, Alonso also surpassed David Wright for the most home runs by a Mets infielder.
The Mets will end the first half of their season with two road series, starting against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, followed by games against the Kansas City Royals. Alonso’s decision to skip the Derby is seen as a move to preserve his performance and support the Mets’ effort down the stretch.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why do they call Pete Alonso a polar bear?
A. Alonso earned the nickname “Polar Bear” during his time as a promising athlete. In 2019 spring training, he stood out so much that Mets third baseman Todd Frazier, who often created nicknames for players, called him this. Frazier remarked to Alonso, “You resemble a big polar bear.”