Yankees' Gary Sanchez won't participate in Home Run Derby

New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees slugger Gary Sanchez won't participate in 2021 Home Run Derby

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/25/21

New York Yankees slugger Gary Sanchez won't be hitting bombs at Coors Field next month.

The 28-year-old said after Thursday's 8-1 win over the Kansas City Royals that he is not interested in participating in this year's Home Run Derby, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

Sanchez participated in the 2017 Home Run Derby at Marlins Park and said he came away fatigued, which he wants to avoid this year.

Gary Sanchez said that he doesn't have any interest in the Home Run Derby. He enjoyed the experience in 2017 but thought he got tired after the early rounds.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 24, 2021

The Dominican native eliminated Yankees teammate Giancarlo Stanton in the first round of the 2017 Home Run Derby and lost to Miguel Sano in the second round.

Sanchez is slashing .240/.344/.503 with 13 home runs and 29 RBI in 56 games. He leads all American League catchers in OPS and has solid odds to be selected to his third All-Star Game this season.

Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani and New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, the reigning Home Run Derby champion, are the only players confirmed for this year's event thus far.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have both said they're skipping the event for various reasons.

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