Here are several ways to rewrite that title, focusing on different nuances:

Concise & Punchy:

1. Mets’ Pete Alonso skips Home Run Derby, but future title defense possible. (Focuses on key action and future possibility)
2. Pete Alonso out of HR Derby, leaves door open for future return. (Stronger idiom for the future option)
3. Alonso passes on Derby, doesn’t rule out defending HR title later. (Clear verbs, emphasizes “defending” the title)

Highlighting the “May Return” Aspect:

4. Pete Alonso skipping Home Run Derby, but may return to defend crown. (Simple, clear, future-focused)
5. Mets slugger Pete Alonso bypasses Derby, open to comeback championship bid. (Slightly more formal “bypasses,” emphasizes “comeback” and “bid”)

Focusing on the Fact He’s Champ:

6. Reigning HR Derby champ Pete Alonso sitting out this year, eyes future defense. (Emphasizes current champion status & intention)
7. Mets’ Pete Alonso opts out of Home Run Derby; future defense still an option. (Formal “opts out,” clear “still an option”)

More Evocative:

8. Mets power hitter Alonso skips Derby dance, crown defense could wait. (Metaphor “Derby dance,” slight intrigue with “could wait”)

Key changes explained:

• “Slugger” alternatives: Power hitter, star hitter [implied], power bat [implied], [just “Pete Alonso” is often enough].
• “Skip” alternatives: Will skip, sitting out, out of, passing on, bypasses, opting out.
• “Home Run Derby”: HR Derby (common abbreviation).
• “…but doesn’t rule out an eventual return” alternatives: But may return, leaves door open (for a return), open to comeback/campaign, is open to returning, possible future return, potentially returning, leaving future defense an option.
• “…to defend his crown” alternatives: To defend crown/title, championship defense/comeback/bid, potentially defend/capture again, reclaim his throne.

Choose the version that best fits the tone and emphasis you want for your context. Options 1, 2, 4, and 6 are particularly strong variations of the original.

Pete Alonso Opts Out of Home Run Derby for First Time, Prioritizes Rest After Fifth All-Star Nod

New York, NY – New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso earned his fifth career All-Star selection Sunday but announced he will skip the accompanying Home Run Derby on July 14th at Atlanta’s Truist Park. This marks the first time the powerhouse first baseman has declined participation since his debut.

Alonso, crowned Derby champion in 2019 and 2021, cited a desire for full engagement in All-Star festivities and physical recuperation as key factors. “I want to fully be able to enjoy the festivities,” Alonso stated. “As fun as it is… it’s more the adrenaline spikes up and down. Having that Monday off… I’m really excited to have those days off.”

His Derby track record is formidable:

• 2019 & 2021: Event Champion
• 2022: Eliminated in semifinals by Juan Soto
• 2023: Eliminated in first round by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• 2024: Eliminated in first round by Teoscar Hernández (No Derby occurred in 2020 due to COVID-19).

The 30-year-old emphasized this isn’t a permanent decision: “I definitely will do [the Derby] again… If an All-Star Game happens at Citi Field or at another park that I love to hit at… for sure.” His primary focus is the Mets’ second-half performance: “I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win. I feel like I’m in a groove… I just didn’t really feel motivated to do it this year.”

Alonso enters the break swinging a potent bat: a .287/.380/.543 slash line, 20 home runs, and 26 additional extra-base hits, resulting in a stellar 163 OPS+. He recently passed David Wright for the most home runs by a Mets infielder and sits just six homers shy of tying Darryl Strawberry’s all-time franchise record of 252.

The Mets close the first half with two road series: facing the Baltimore Orioles starting Tuesday, followed by a set against the Kansas City Royals. Alonso will then headline the National League All-Stars while resting his Derby swing, fueling the Mets’ playoff push in the second half.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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