Mets: Pete Alonso embraces Home Run Derby, while Aaron Judge runs from it

While Aaron Judge passes on the Home Run Derby, New York Mets star Pete Alonso will be participating looking for the three-peat.

The American and National League teams in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game have been revealed. While the focus will be on the July 19 event in Los Angeles, Calif., there is also the Home Run Derby, which will be held the night prior.

The full field of participants has not been revealed, but New York Yankees star Aaron Judge ruled himself out back in June. Meanwhile, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso was confirmed on July 11 to defend his Home Run Derby title.

Pete Alonso looking to three-peat as Home Run Derby champion

Alonso has won the past two Home Run Derbies (2020 was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic). In 2019, the Mets star battled it out with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the finals, but ended up wining 23-22. Last year, Alonso defeated Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles 23-22 in the final round.

If he were to win in 2022, Alonso would be just the second player to win three Home Run Derbies. The other player to do so? Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. But no player has won the even three times in a row. Alonso can change that.

Judge appeared in the Home Run Derby just once, back in 2017. The Yankees outfielder got past Justin Bour, Cody Bellinger, and Miguel Sano to win the event. He did enter a second half slump following the Derby, and dealt with a shoulder injury that required surgery at the end of the season.

In a contract year, Judge looks to be the AL MVP favorite as the All-Star break approaches, and is set to cash in after the season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

While Judge will not go to the Derby, Alonso is open for the challenge of winning the event three years in a row.