Yankees’ Aaron Judge not participating in Home Run Derby

Aaron Judge confirms his attendance at the All-Star Game in Texas but announces that he will not participate in the Home Run Derby.

Despite leading the league with 28 home runs, Judge stated that he will not be part of the event. His most recent home run was hit during Saturday’s game against the Braves.

“I’m not doing it,” Judge mentioned before the Yankees’ game against Atlanta at the Stadium.

Although he has been approached by event organizers to participate, Judge declined, stating, “There’s no need this year.”

When asked if he was done with the event entirely, Judge responded that he would participate again in the future.

“I’m not done with it,” Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby winner as a rookie, said. “Once it’s back in New York, I’ll be there.”

Before the game against Atlanta, Judge and Giancarlo Stanton participated in on-field batting practice, a rare occurrence in The Bronx.