Juan Soto will not participate in the upcoming Home Run Derby, he announced Friday. The New York Mets outfielder, who is the only Mets player selected for the All-Star Game, stated his decision after batting practice at Citi Field.
"No, I don't think I'm going to make it,'' Soto said. "I'm good."
Soto had previously indicated that his participation would depend on his physical condition. Last week, he mentioned the need to assess "how much I need to recover and be ready for the second half." He also stated that "every situation" would be considered before a final decision.
Soto won the Home Run Derby in 2022 at Dodger Stadium while he was with the Washington Nationals. This year's All-Star festivities will take place in Philadelphia.