When Sluggers Say No: Why Alonso & Schwarber Skipped the Derby

#HomeRunDerby #MLB #Alonso #Schwarber #SluggerStrategy #RestAndRecharge #DerbyDrama #BaseballAnalytics #AllStarBreak #FreshFaces #new #newvideo #fyp

The Home Run Derby in Atlanta was poised to showcase baseball’s biggest sluggers. Instead, two of its marquee names, Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, opted to sit it out.

Alonso isn’t just any participant: he’s a two-time champion (2019, 2021) and a Mets icon. Schwarber’s Derby résumé includes 2018 and 2022, and both have beauty-pageant swing mechanics that fans adore.

On the surface, their 2025 seasons screamed “derby time.” Alonso entered the break with 20 homers and a fifth All-Star nod. Schwarber belted 27 long balls en route to his third trip to the midsummer classic.

Yet Alonso told reporters he “wasn’t necessarily called this year,” lacked the usual spark, and preferred using the downtime for recovery. After all, three off-days can jar a hitter’s rhythm.

His game-plan? Keep that Mets groove humming, dodge the slug-and-miss spectacle, and arrive in August locked and loaded for a playoff push.

Schwarber’s calculus was similar. He’s proven he can light up Derby nights, but this summer he chose to focus on his Phillies duties and save the swing contest for another day.

He even hinted at a Derby comeback when it visits Philadelphia, imagine the roar if the host-team slugger storms that stage in his home park.

Their no-shows open doors for fresh faces, Acuña Jr., Wood, Raleigh, Buxton and others, each itching to carve their own Derby legend under the Atlanta lights.

Beyond the trophy chase, this snub spotlights a shift: modern stars weigh workload and team impact over exhibition glory. The Derby’s prestige may be evolving as analytics and rest take center stage.