Aaron Judge passing on Home Run Derby is a diss to fans

Aaron Judge passing on the Home Run Derby should make long-ball enthusiasts furious.

It may be the Year of Aaron Judge, but the New York Yankees slugger is going to pass on participating in the 2022 Home Run Derby.

“Nope. No need, I already did it once,” said Judge to The New York Post. “I’m all good with that.”

What do you mean you’re “all good with that”?!

Judge leads all of baseball with 25 home runs through June 16. With this being a contract year for him, he is going to make so much money that even the Yankees may not be able to afford him. Expect for him to make well over $300 million this winter. His facial hair is going to be running so buck wild. As far as missing out on the Home Run Derby, why even hold the event now?

The Home Run Derby is not for everyone (not a fan), but there are those who love it more than the baseball games themselves. To spend all that money on a Dodger dog and to not see Judge go whammy feels like the fans are getting particularly screwed here. There is always next year…

If you have money to burn, yeah, go watch the Home Run Derby in-person, even if Judge is so out.

Aaron Judge bailing on the Home Run Derby is the worst thing in the entire world

Let’s be real. This could be the last time Judge might be able to partake in a home run derby wearing pinstripes. He is betting on himself in the pettiest way possible, and baseball is better for it. However, a giant beast of a man making it abundantly clear the home run derby is not his bag means there is no reason to watch the event. I never will, but now I am absolutely never going to…

Even if Judge wants to save all of that Iggy Pop Raw Power in his bat to break Roger Maris’ franchise record, the Home Run Derby is just glorified BP. It is an opportunity to “connect” with young fans and baseball enthusiasts who rarely get to see Judge play anyway. To be denied of the possibility of the native Californian hitting one onto the freeway should insult so many Angelenos.

Ultimately, Judge can do whatever he wants. He is a grown-ass man, but people who dig the long ball have every right to judge Judge accordingly. Though Judge says he would be open to participating in the event should the All-Star Game return to New York, there are no guarantees he will even be with the Yankees by then. At least he can watch it from up close at Dodger Stadium…

You better believe the New York media will make this thing a thing, because of course, they will.