This article was originally published on www.si.com as Mets Fans Will Love Pete Alonso’s Reason for Turning Down Home Run Derby Invite. The New York Mets have not been playing their best baseball as of late, but they're in the heat of the NL East race as the All-Star break quickly approaches.

The New York Mets are in a tight race atop the National League East with the Philadelphia Phillies. That is influencing the decision-making of one of their stars.

After winning titles in 2019 and 2021, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso will end his five-year streak and pass on the July 14 Home Run Derby in Atlanta.