Mets' Pete Alonso talks competing in HR Derby after wrist injury

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso won't let a recent wrist injury prevent him from chasing his third career Home Run Derby title. 

"I thought that the derby wasn’t necessarily the biggest priority when I was coming back from the wrist," Alonso explained, per Manuel Gómez of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "It was trying to come back and be as productive as I can for my team. If I’m able to play a game, I’m definitely going to be able to take batting practice. So for me, the biggest concern was getting back to the team. The derby for me is a happy bonus." 

Alonso missed 10 games with a bruised left wrist last month but returned recently to the Mets lineup. Per ESPN stats, Alonso began Monday sitting third in the MLB with 25 home runs on the season, trailing on the Angels' Shohei Ohtani and Braves' Matt Olson. 

Alonso, the Mets' only representative on the National League All-Star team, won the derby in 2019 and 2021. There was no derby in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Next Monday, Alonso will compete in a field that includes Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. 

"I’m stoked," Alonso said about hitting in the derby held at T-Mobile Park, home of the Mariners. "It’s a really fun event. The field is extremely talented, and I think this is going to be a derby that a lot of people are going to remember for a long time." 

Alonso will attempt to provide a memorable moment during what's become a miserable season for baseball's most expensive roster. The 38-46 Mets entered the week trailing the first-place Atlanta Braves by 18-and-a-half games in the NL East standings and eight games back of a wild-card playoff spot.