Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has turned down MLB Home Run Derby invitations three straight years but says he wants to eventually participate.

Mariners Cal Raleigh claimed the final spot in the first round of the Home Run Derby over Athletics all-star Brent Rooker by an inch. Here is Rooker's reaction.

"You just hope it doesn't end," the Yankees slugger said Monday afternoon during All-Star media availability. "You just try to stay in the moment. Stay locked in. Don't try to think about it, because you'll be good for a couple of weeks.

Aaron Judge may be in the middle of an American League MVP race with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, but the New York Yankees star is still enjoying watching his counterpart play this season.

The Seattle catcher is on a historic pace, hitting 38 home runs before the All-Star break. Some changes he made in the minor leagues have fueled his tear.

With his father, Todd, throwing to him and his little brother, Todd Jr., catching, Raleigh became the first catcher ever to win Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby when he bested Junior Caminero — who nearly became the youngest player to win the event — 18-15 in the finals.

USA Baseball announced the decision before Cal Raleigh participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby. The 28-year-old entered the All-Star break leading the major leagues with 38 homers and 82 RBIs.