Yankees’ Aaron Judge will skip 2025 Home Run Derby: ‘Only if I’m talking about it here’ in New York

Once again, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has made headlines, this time with his decision to skip the upcoming 2025 Home Run Derby. During a recent press conference in New York, Judge reaffirmed his stance, stating, “Nope. Same answer. Only if I’m talking about it here.” This indicates that the only scenario in which he would participate in the Derby would be if it returned to New York—a prospect that appears unlikely in the near future.

Judge, who emerged victorious in the Home Run Derby during his rookie season in 2017, has not stepped into the Derby spotlight since that memorable win. He has made it clear that his participation is contingent upon the All-Star Game being hosted in New York, a scenario that has not happened recently. In fact, the last time New York hosted an All-Star Game was back in 2008, which coincided with the closing of Yankee Stadium. The Mets conducted the All-Star Game at Citi Field in 2013, reinforcing the possibility that the Bronx might have to wait a long time for the prestigious event to return.

With the 2026 All-Star Game already secured for Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park and speculations suggesting a subsequent event in Chicago’s Wrigley Field in 2027, it is quite possible that New York will not see the All-Star festivities again until at least the 2030s. For Judge, this may mean that unless he changes his mind, the chance to participate in another Home Run Derby is dwindling. His singular victory in 2017 might just be sufficient for him.

When asked about his prior participation, Judge was candid about the toll it took on his body. Following the 2017 Derby, he admitted that the event exacerbated a pre-existing shoulder injury he had sustained earlier that season. Ultimately, Judge needed shoulder surgery after that year, weighing heavily on the decision to abstain from future competitions.

This year has seen Judge off to an exceptional start, showcasing remarkable statistics that reflect his capabilities as a two-time MVP. He is currently batting an impressive .392 with a .493 on-base percentage and a staggering .758 slugging percentage, accumulating 21 home runs so far this season. This performance ranks him third overall in home runs for the current MLB season, closely trailing Cal Raleigh and Shohei Ohtani, who have 24 and 23 homers respectively. However, Judge leads the league in batting average by a notable 29 points, on-base percentage by 59 points, and slugging percentage by 110 points, showing a level of consistency that is hard to match.

As fans look forward, the excitement surrounding the 2025 Home Run Derby continues to build. Scheduled to take place on July 14 at Atlanta’s Truist Park, it marks an opportunity for many stars to shine. Currently, no players have officially committed to participating in the event, and with Judge’s absence, the spotlight is sure to shift to other potential Derby candidates.

This season, voting for the All-Star Game starters has opened, and names like Judge, Francisco Lindor, and Shohei Ohtani have emerged as popular choices among fans. Opinion pieces already discuss potential participants in the Derby, igniting debate and anticipation in the baseball community.

While Aaron Judge’s absence from the Home Run Derby may leave some fans disappointed, it’s essential to recognize that his focus remains on maintaining peak performance throughout the regular season. As one of the league’s most valuable players, his contributions to the Yankees are paramount. With his current form, he may very well be positioning himself for another MVP award, and that certainly holds greater importance than simply adding another Derby title to his resume.

In conclusion, Aaron Judge’s decision to skip the 2025 Home Run Derby underscores a measured approach to his career as a professional athlete. Prioritizing health and performance over participating in a spectacle speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game. While fans may wish to see him swinging for the fences again in a Derby setting, we can continue to support him as he strives for excellence throughout the season. For now, New York and its fanbase will have to wait before they see the spectacle of the Home Run Derby unfold in their city again—and if experience serves as a guide, they’ll have to hold their breath for a long while longer.

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