Yankees fans rejoice, Aaron Judge will not be participating in this year’s Home Run Derby. Judge told reporters this morning that he is “leaning” towards not competing. While he didn’t give a clear reason, we all know why. Many hitters have suffered post-derby slumps and Judge was no different. The Derby is incredibly taxing on the players. Even if they are taking batting practice style swings, there is no time during the spring or the regular season when any player takes that volume of swings in one day. It takes a toll on hitters and can really mess with their timing. Judge struggled significantly following the Derby with both his power numbers and his average suffering. He also declined to talk about whether or not the Derby had anything to do with the shoulder issue he had addressed over the offseason. Many people believe that Judge owes it to the fans to compete in the derby because he is one of the biggest superstars the league has. Screw that. LeBron has NEVER done the dunk competition. The Home Run Derby is always a huge event and a lot of fun, but it is nothing compared to playoff baseball and if Judge wants to sit out and rest up for a postseason run I’m all for it. I want Judge hitting bombs in October, I couldn’t care less about July.
