Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. Won't Compete in 2025 MLB HR Derby, Cites Oblique Cramps

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatís Jr. has removed his name from consideration for this year's Home Run Derby.

"I wish, but I've been getting cramps (around) my obliques, so I'm not going to take the chance," he told reporters Monday when asked if he was going to participate. "I feel like it's more important for me to stay healthy. And now it's going to be really three more months of baseball where we can turn things around and make this thing special."

Tatís, 26, was named to his third NL All-Star team on Sunday but has never participated in the Derby. Just three players are confirmed for the event thus far: Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., Washington Nationals slugger James Wood and Seattle Mariners breakout star Cal Raleigh.

Several of the biggest names in the sport and biggest home-run hitters have already opted out. Aaron Judge is skipping the event yet again, last participating in 2017. Shohei Ohtani is out, citing the format. Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso both withdrew from consideration on Sunday.

"I just decided not to do it this year," Alonso told reporters. "I have never really fully enjoyed the three off days, so I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win in the second half. I'm in a groove with certain things. I definitely will do it again. It doesn't mean no forever."

The sport has plenty of other power hitters it can call upon, but with many of the biggest names already opting out, this year's Derby has certainly lost some flair.

As for Tatís, he's had an up-and-down season by his own lofty standards but is still hitting .261 with 15 homers, 39 RBI, 62 runs, 19 stolen bases, an .800 OPS and a 3.7 WAR. The Padres are 48-41, seven games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the loaded NL West and currently in the final Wild Card spot.