ATLANTA — Despite a stellar first half of the season, Detroit Tigers All-Star outfielder Riley Greene has declined multiple invitations from MLB to participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby.
Greene, 24, cited a desire to preserve his health and maintain his swing mechanics for the second half of the season as his primary reasons for opting out of the event, which was held Monday at Truist Park.
“I’m just trying to stay healthy,” Greene said Tuesday. “It’s a lot of swings. Some guys can do it. It’s meant for some guys. I don’t think it’s meant for me right now.”
The decision means Greene passed on a significant payday. All eight Derby participants are guaranteed $150,000, with the winner earning $1 million. Greene’s 2025 salary is $812,400.
His invitation was well-earned, as he is currently tied for eighth in MLB with 24 home runs and ranks third in the American League. However, Greene, who has not taken on-field batting practice in two years, expressed doubt about his potential performance. “I don’t think I would have maybe done a good job,” he added.
With the Tigers holding the best record in baseball at 59-38, Greene is focused on the team’s postseason push. He is hitting .284 with a career-best .879 OPS and leads the AL with 78 RBIs.
“My No. 1 goal is to stay healthy for this team and help them win every night,” Greene stated.
In his absence, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won the event, defeating Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero in the final round to become the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby.
Before the competition, Tigers ace and AL All-Star starter Tarik Skubal playfully offered to pitch to fellow All-Star Brent Rooker of the Athletics, against whom Rooker has a .471 batting average with three home runs. “I don’t have a secret,” Rooker said. “Sometimes, you just get lucky.”
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