Phillies' Kyle Schwarber Won't Compete in 2025 MLB HR Derby After All-Star Selection

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber told reporters on Sunday that he doesn't plan to participate in this year's Home Run Derby.

Schwarber, selected as a reserve designated hitter on the National League All-Star team, said he would "maybe see what happens next year" in regards to the Derby.

Schwarber, 32, is hitting .250 this season for the Phillies with 27 homers, 62 RBI, 63 runs, a .922 OPS and a 2.7 WAR. Only Cal Raleigh (35 homers), Aaron Judge (33), Shohei Ohtani (30) and Eugenio Suárez (28) have more dingers this year. Ohtani is the NL's starting DH for the All-Star Game.

For a Phillies offense that has performed below expectations—though Bryce Harper's recent return should help in that regard—Schwarber's production and Trea Turner's consistency have been vital.

The Phillies are largely winning on the basis of the sport's best starting rotation, led by fellow All-Star Zack Wheeler, All-Star snubs Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez and savvy offseason addition Jesús Luzardo. The Phillies are also expected to get Aaron Nola back from injury in late July or early August, and top prospect Andrew Painter could be a late-season call-up.

As for the Home Run Derby, Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. will be participating for the third time, while Raleigh and Washington's James Wood will be first-time entrants. The remaining slots have yet to be filled.

One name to watch is Matt Olson:

Obviously, fans would love to see the sport's top stars like Judge and Ohtani compete. Judge already said he would not participate in the event this year, however, skipping it for the eighth straight year after winning it in 2017.

Ohtani also seemingly ruled out his participation in late June, citing the format.

"With the current rules in place, I don't think it's feasible for me to be able to compete well," he told reporters.

Ohtani last competed in the event in 2021.