New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. Soto, who won the event in 2022 and competed in 2021, stated that after consideration, he decided it did not make sense for him to compete this year.
"I had a mindset, I was trying to see where I was at to join, but then we decided [not to do it]," Soto said Saturday before the Mets hosted the Red Sox. He described his previous experiences in the derby as "fun," "cool," and "tiring," but ultimately a "great experience."
Soto's decision comes as he prepares to participate in his fifth All-Star Game appearance, and second as a starter. He was selected as an All-Star after not being chosen a year ago. "It’s always great. I got to thank all of my fans," Soto said following his selection. "I got to thank all the fans in the Dominican Republic, they make it possible. All thanks to the people in New York, too. They really brought a lot. Mets fans are unbelievable."
He added, "I really appreciate everything that they have done for me these past two years. I think it’s great."
This season, Soto is enjoying a strong performance in his second year with the Mets. Entering Saturday's game, he had a .297 batting average, a .412 on-base percentage, and a .576 slugging percentage, with an OPS of .989. He had hit 21 home runs and driven in 51 runs.
The field for this year's Home Run Derby includes Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, Junior Caminero of the Rays, Jac Caglianone of the Royals, Ben Rice of the Yankees, Willson Contreras of the Red Sox, Jordan Walker of the Cardinals, and Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox.