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.

Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso won't be a part of the Home Run Derby festivites in Atlanta, declining an invitation for the first time.