The New York Yankees own two of baseball's premier sluggers in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton - who are both in the running to lead the majors in home runs this year.
Unfortunately for baseball fans, Stanton and Judge both revealed that they aren't interested in competing in this year's home run derby. The two sluggers explained why they're going to pass this year. reasoning, per Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com.
"I don't think so. Don't want to; I've done it plenty of times," Stanton said. "Take a year off, take two years off, if I want."
"This year we've got something special going. I kind of said I'm not going...and I want to stay healthy," Judge said, while adding that he competed last year strictly "for the fans," and to "put on a good show."
On the bright side, we will see a different winner in 2018. Stanton and Judge took home the 2016 and '17 home run derby crowns, respectively. Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper already stated that he would compete in it this year.
Entering play on Monday, J.D. Martinez of the Boston Red Sox leads the majors home runs with 27. Judge and Mike Trout are tied for second with 25, while Stanton is tied for 10th with 21.
Stanton and Judge finished first and second in home runs last year, respectively, with 59 and 52. When the Yankees acquired Stanton in the offseason, expectations went soaring, and the entire team has lived up to them thus far.
Though these two superstars won't be taking part in the 2018 home run derby, the contest will still be loaded with other big-time sluggers. For now, Judge and Stanton remain focused on guiding the Yankees to their 28th world championship, and they're off to a great start through the first half of 2018.