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Chicago Cubs news: Kris Bryant wants no part of home run derby, but Anthony Rizzo wants in

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 8, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) is greeted by first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) after hitting a home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) is greeted by first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) after hitting a home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the Chicago Cubs get a representative in the 2017 home run derby at the All-Star Game? Anthony Rizzo certainly wants a chance to compete.

Chicago Cubs third baseman and reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant has no interest in competing in the home run derby at the upcoming MLB All-Star Game. On Friday, Bryant told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times that he had been asked to participate, but he is planning on declining.

"“Especially with it being here,” Bryant said from the visitors’ clubhouse at Miami’s Marlins Park. “It’s definitely not a hitter’s park. So it would be a tough Home Run Derby. I think I’d like to do it again at some point. Just this year, based on the last two years [of deep playoff runs], the body could use a little bit of rest.”"

Probably not a bad idea for Bryant to get a bit more rest. He admitted to being fatigued a couple of weeks back, taking off two games in a stretch of three. The Cubs need a fresh Bryant if they expect to compete for another World Series title.

While Bryant has no interest competing, fellow Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo would love to compete in the home run derby in his hometown.

"“It’s in Miami, so I’d have to give it thought because it’s my hometown, my home area,” said Rizzo, who grew up just north of Miami in Broward County. “It was cool to do it the first time, and last year it was really nice to be able to relax and enjoy [watching]. But if I was asked here, I would definitely consider it.”"

Both Bryant and Rizzo took part in the 2015 home run derby, bowing out early in the competition. Both Cubs sluggers were asked to compete in the event again last season but opted to take the rest instead.

You can easily see why taking the rest makes sense and is probably better for the Chicago Cubs in the long run. However, it is always fun watching your favorite players compete in an event like the home run derby.

Next: Rizzo leading off a short-term fix for Cubs

Here’s to hoping the greatest leadoff hitter in the world gets an invite and wins the 2017 Home Run Derby.

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