Juan Soto Selected as 2026 All-Star Starter After Declining Home Run Derby

Juan Soto decided against taking part in the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, nypost.com reported. The Mets slugger had weighed the possibility but concluded it did not fit his plans. “I had a mindset, I was trying to see where I was at to join, but then we decided [not to do it],” Soto said before the Mets hosted the Red Sox at Citi Field on Saturday.

Soto previously stated he wanted to assess his physical condition before committing. “It was fun, it was cool, it was tiring, but it was a great experience,” he said.

The 2026 contestants include Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, Junior Caminero of the Rays, Jac Caglianone of the Royals, Ben Rice of the Yankees, Willson Contreras of the Red Sox, Jordan Walker of the Cardinals and Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox.

Soto was selected as a starter for the 2026 All-Star Game, marking his fifth appearance and second time starting. “It’s always great.

I got to thank all of my fans,” Soto said after the selection. “I got to thank all the fans in the Dominican Republic, they make it possible. All thanks to the people in New York, too. They really brought a lot.

Mets fans are unbelievable. I really appreciate everything that they have done for me these past two years. 989 OPS, 21 home runs and 51 RBIs.