Pete Alonso, the New York Mets slugger, is set to participate in this year's Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. However, his recent slump has raised questions about whether his participation will be as thrilling as in previous years.
Alonso has been struggling at the plate, with a batting average of just .213 in his last 91 at-bats. His slump, combined with a hand injury that landed him on the injured list for a week in June, has dampened the excitement surrounding his Home Run Derby appearance.
Furthermore, Alonso's performance in other areas of the game has been lacking. His .189 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) is the worst among all qualified players, indicating that he relies heavily on hitting home runs and doesn't contribute much else to the team.
While the Home Run Derby is often a fan-favorite event, the timing of Alonso's participation raises concerns. The Mets are currently in fourth place in the NL East and are not significant contenders for the Wild Card spot. With the team's playoff hopes dwindling, seeing Alonso focus on hitting home runs may not be as exciting for fans.
Overall, Alonso's participation in the Home Run Derby is met with mixed emotions. While fans may still enjoy watching him compete, the slump he is currently in raises doubts about how thrilling his performance will be. Only time will tell if Alonso can break out of his slump and put on a show in the Home Run Derby.