Two-time champ Pete Alonso of the New York Mets told reporters Sunday that he will skip the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, adding "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.

Pete Alonso will be in the All-Star Game, but he won’t be participating in the Home Run Derby. The first baseman has taken part in the competition four times and won it twice. This time, though, he said he values getting ready for the second half more.