Inside The Pinstripes

Aaron Judge Has 'No Interest' in Participating in This Year's Home Run Derby

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge not interested in participating in the Home Run Derby at Coors Field, competing with Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani

Max Goodman

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK — It's been nearly four years since Aaron Judge hoisted the 2017 Home Run Derby trophy at Marlins Park, swatting 47 long balls en route to a memorable night in Miami. 

With this year's derby set to take place at Coors Field, it's hard not to imagine No. 99 putting on another show, taking part in a must-see battle for homer-hitting supremacy in Colorado's high altitude.

Nonetheless, New York's slugger isn't considering a return to the Home Run Derby. At least not right now.

"I haven't even thought of it to be honest," Judge said Friday afternoon. "I've got no interest right now. Unless the All-Star Game is back in New York soon."

The question gauging Judge's interest in the competition was broached shortly after two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani announced that he will take part in this year's festivities.

After winning the competition in 2017, Judge said that he believes he can dictate if (or when) he decides to participate again. 

"I feel like after winning it I think I can kind of have my own say," he said. 

Judge slugged his way past Justin Bour, Cody Bellinger and Miguel Sanó in 2017, becoming the first rookie to win the Derby outright. He ended up mashing 52 home runs by the time the regular season was over, winning American League Rookie of the Year and finishing second in the race for the AL Most Valuable Player Award. 

Both Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sánchez also participated in the 2017 Home Run Derby as well, facing off with each other in the first round. Sánchez advanced, defeating the eventual NL MVP, but fell in the second round to Sanó.

Entering play Saturday afternoon, Judge leads the Yankees this season with 15 home runs. Stanton and Sánchez follow with 13 and 10 long balls, respectively. 

MORE: Yankees Offense Falters, Opening Homestand With Frustrating Loss to Athletics

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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