Don't expect to see Trout in 2017 HR Derby

Mike Trout has never appeared in the Home Run Derby.

When Trout took over sole possession of the MLB lead in home runs on Saturday when he hit his 16th dinger in the first inning against the Miami Marlins, dreams of his appearance in the 2017 Home Run Derby would understandably be aflutter.

Hold off on those hopes. Trout has no plans in participating in the annual celebration of long balls, according to the Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher.

"I don’t think so, probably not," Trout said.

He added that it's just a bit of personal preference and that the derby is an event that has never appealed to him. All this came prior to hitting his league-leading homer off Marlins starter Vance Worley.

Even though he's all but ruled out an appearance this season - though he'll almost certainly play in the All-Star Game barring injury - never say never.

"They obviously want me to do it, but it's just a personal choice," he said. "Not one particular reason. I'm sure one day I’ll do it."

With 16 home runs already, Trout has now hit 184 in his still brief career. He turns 26 in August and could very easily reach 200 career long balls before his birthday. And he's not selling out for power, either, as he's slashing .342/.463/.752 through 46 games.