Pete Alonso making it to the 2024 National League All-Star team has stirred up some debate. While he’s a fan favorite and a two-time Home Run Derby winner, his performance on the field this season hasn’t exactly screamed “All-Star.” Reportedly, Alonso gave an ultimatum and expressed interest in the Derby only if he made the All-Star team. Speaking of which, Ken Rosenthal has called out the controversial reason behind Alonso’s selection.
Talking on the ‘Fair Territory’ podcast, Rosenthal mentioned that other New York Mets players such as Lindor and maybe Brandon Nimmo have stronger statistics in place this season compared to Alonso.
Next, the sports writer was disappointed about Alonso unfairly getting the nod to participate because of his willingness to take part in the Home Run Derby despite subpar performances on the field.
“Now, I get why Alonso is there because he has said, ‘I’m not going to the Home Run Derby unless I am an All-Star.'”
Fair Territory!
*What I liked and didn’t about ASG selections
*Your questions about snubs
*My three favorite All-Star memories
YouTube: https://t.co/RzllacuOsG
Apple: https://t.co/4AXCKd4VHFThoughts on Alonso selection (taped before Witt addition to Derby). pic.twitter.com/cd68KsvXYb
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 8, 2024
As Rosenthal rightfully pointed out, although Pete Alonso remains a strong player, his batting average and on-base percentage in the 2024 season have not been as impressive as before.
In contrast, Lindor has been excelling with averages and great defensive skills outshining Alonso in areas. Furthermore, Nimmo has outperformed Alonso in statistics this season boasting averages, on-base percentages, and stolen bases.
Alonso’s overall numbers have also declined compared to his past All-Star seasons. Despite maintaining his power-hitting abilities, with several home runs, his candidacy for the All-Star game is being questioned due to weaknesses in important aspects of his game.
Hence, from the looks of it, including Alonso in the 2024 National League All-Star team was done solely because of his condition that if he doesn’t make it to the MLB All-Star roster, he won’t participate in the Home Run Derby.
The Home Run Derby lives on MLB’s popular names and power hitters like Alonso fit that criteria hands down. Therefore, this could have surely influenced the All-Star selection, even if his statistics weren’t the strongest among New York Mets players.
Meanwhile, apart from questions about Pete Alonso’s inclusion, fans have also been wondering why Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge decided to opt out of the Home Run Derby.
Ohtani and Judge Sit Out Home Run Derby
Both Ohtani and Judge have decided not to take part in the 2024 Home Run Derby.
Ohtani, who is recovering from elbow surgery is concentrating on his hitting for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is avoiding pitching responsibilities.
Joining the Derby could disrupt his recovery plan and raise the risk of injury. Likewise, the Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s well-being as a dual-threat player and are aiming for his comeback in 2025.
Meanwhile, Judge, leading in home runs and a top contender for MVP has not revealed why he turned down the invitation. His choice may be a move to maintain his peak performance for the rest of the season and playoffs.
Despite being in perfect health presently, participating in the Derby and swinging could make him more prone to injuries. Additionally, Judge’s decision to snub the Home Run Derby could also be a strategic move regarding his looming contract talks with the New York Yankees.
