Aaron Judge says he’s done with the Home Run Derby, and that’s a good thing

Aaron Judge put on an absolute show during the Home Run Derby last year in Miami, but if you didn’t see that performance, it looks like you missed your chance.

Aaron Judge led the American League in home runs last year with 52. Those 52 dingers also led him to a Rookie of the Year award and a second-place finish in the MVP voting. The accolades piled up for him last summer, and none were more jaw-dropping than his performance at the Home Run Derby.

If you missed the Derby last season, then not only did you miss a show from Judge, it also looks like you missed out on your only opportunity to see him in the event.

The Yankees slugger told the New York Post on Tuesday that he is sitting out this year’s Home Run Derby in Washington D.C. The reason? According to Judge, “there is no need to do it.” Quite frankly, the Yankees faithful should rejoice that he won’t be participating.

Within those 52 dingers he hit last season was an awful month that came after the Derby. He only hit .179 with seven home runs and 16 RBI in the 44 games following the break through the end of August.

The slump was also compounded by a shoulder injury that wasn’t really serious, but seemed to slow down Judge just enough before the end of the season.

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It’s probably a good thing that Judge is sitting out. For one, he has a Home Run Derby title, so that career accomplishment is out of the way, and secondly, the Yankees are one of the favorites to win the World Series, especially with Judge seemingly expanding his game at the plate this year.

Whether or not the Derby actually affected his swing last season, Judge and the Yankees don’t need something that can keep the him from playing at his full potential down the home stretch and into the postseason.