While Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta says that he would love to take part in the Home Run Derby, slugger Kris Bryant will take a pass.
"All I know is it was tough. It was very exhausting," Bryant said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "And I don't know if I'd want to do it again. But if [the pitchers] want to, we'll let them do it. I don't really want to."
Bryant would have to be asked to decline. He is currently tied for sixth in the National League with 15 homers.
Bryant and teammate Anthony Rizzo took part in the event last season. Bryant lost to Albert Pujols 10-9 in the first round. Rizzo also lost in the first round, 9-8 to Josh Donaldson.
Rizzo, who has 14 homers this season, is undecided on whether to participate this year.
"I'm not sure yet," said Rizzo. "We'll see where it's at when it comes."
Arrieta joined San Francisco Giants starter Madison Bumgarner as saying he would like to participate in the event. If Arrieta gets the chance, Bryant said he'll be cheering him on.
"I enjoy watching the home run derby. Growing up I watched it all the time," Bryant said, according to the newspaper. "It's very entertaining. I'll sit on the grass, do the whole bring-the-Gatorade thing. But I don't really want to do it."
He added that the Home Run Derby was a "cool experience," but "it was just mentally draining for me."
Bryant will likely be in San Diego for the All-Star Game July 12. As of Tuesday, he was the leading vote-getter at third base for the National League. Rizzo leads first basemen, Ben Zobrist leads at second, Addison Russell tops shortstops and Dexter Fowler is the leader among NL outfielders.
