Pete Alonso has become a staple of the Home Run Derby in the past six years.

The Mets slugger, now 30, first joined the field for MLB's power showcase in 2019, when he was a rookie. Since then, Alonso has made five appearances in the Home Run Derby, winning twice.

However, when baseball fans tune into the 2025 edition of the event at Truist Park in Atlanta, Alonso won't be among the eight hitters competing for the trophy.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Here's why Alonso isn't involved in the 2025 Home Run Derby after years of participation.

MORE: Tracking the participants for the 2025 Home Run Derby

Why isn't Pete Alonso in the 2025 Home Run Derby?

Eight hitters will take the field in Truist Park for the Home Run Derby this year. Alonso, a five-time participant and two-time winner of the event, won't be one of them. 

Put simply, the Mets first baseman said earlier in July that he declined his invitation to the 2025 Home Run Derby because he wanted to use the All-Star break as an opportunity to rest for once. He has appeared in the event in every season of his career that it's been held, with no Home Run Derby in 2020 due to the pandemic.

"I just decided not to do it this year," Alonso told reporters on July 6, per USA Today. "I have never really fully enjoyed the three off days, so I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half."

However, Alonso still won't get the entirety of the All-Star break off. He was selected as an All-Star for the fifth time in his career recently, one of the backup infielders for the National League's roster. So, Alonso will still be in Atlanta for the festivities, but he won't vie for a third Derby title.

Alonso did confirm his plans to return to the Home Run Derby at some point, though.

"I'm in a groove with certain things. I definitely will do it again," Alonso said, per USA Today. "It doesn't mean no forever."

Pete Alonso Home Run Derby appearances, wins

Here's a breakdown of Alonso's past Home Run Derby appearances and which years he won.

• 2019: Won HR Derby as a rookie, defeating Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Finals
• 2021: Won HR Derby, defeating Trey Mancini in Finals
• 2022: Lost in semifinals to Julio Rodriguez
• 2023: Lost in quarterfinals to Julio Rodriguez
• 2024: Eliminated in first round

MORE: Full list of Home Run Derby winners by year

Pete Alonso 2025 stats

Even if he's not participating in this year's Derby, Alonso's power has been as clear as ever in 2025, ranking in the top 15 for home runs.

Here's a look at the Mets' first baseman's 2025 numbers as of July 8: