New York Yankees ferocious slugger Aaron Judge says “thanks but no thanks” to participating in the 2018 Home Run Derby at the MLB All-Star Game.
It was epic. Despite a hometown favorite smacking mammoth shots left and right, Aaron Judge showcased his raw natural gifts in front of the entire world.
He tossed away Justin Bour’s impressive first round prior to capturing the 2017 Home Run Derby title with ease.
This time around, he’s telling MLB “thanks but no thanks,” via ESPN.
“There is no need to do it,” Judge said Tuesday when asked about defending his title.
It’s actually been a major topic of conversation in and around the city despite the exhibition-style nature of the derby. After Judge captured the crown in 2017, he fell into a deep slump (as so many do following the Midsummer Classic attention-grabber).
“Pressure won’t do anything,” said Judge, who fell into a deep hitting slump after winning last year’s Derby.
Judge, 26, hit .329 with 30 homers and 66 RBI for the New York Yankees prior to the All-Star break. He hit a measly .228 with 22 home runs and 48 runs produced after his home run crowning moment.
Though he’s still young at 26, he continues to speak like a great Yankee, reflecting the fact only World Series titles are critical.
“The Derby wasn’t even that big of a toll, to be honest,” he said. “It’s just like taking BP. It really wasn’t too taxing. I wasn’t trying to swing 110 percent, I was taking a normal 80, 90 percent swing, trying to make contact.”
And if you thought it’d be possible he may return to the derby, think again.
“One and done, Home Run Derby champion,” Judge told reporters. “It was a cool experience. I enjoyed it all, but I don’t think I really need to go out there and do it again.”
After falling to Cole Hamels and the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees get right back after it on Wednesday in the Lone Star state.
