Bryce Harper expects to skip Home Run Derby next two years

Todd Frazier was the darling of Cincinnati on Monday night when the Reds third baseman became the first hometown Home Run Derby winner since 1990.

Bryce Harper hopes to follow suit when Washington hosts the 2018 All-Star Game.

But until then, the star Nationals outfielder said the Derby won't be part of his plans.

"Next two years, no," Harper told reporters Tuesday before starting for the National League in its 6-3 loss to the American League at Great American Ball Park. "Probably at home. I'd like to do it in D.C."

The All-Star Game is slated for San Diego and Miami the next two years, respectively.

"Next two years I probably wouldn't do it, San Diego and Miami," Harper said. "[Giancarlo] Stanton would probably win in Miami anyways."

Harper, at 22 one of the game's young stars, currently ranks second in the NL with 26 home runs, one behind Stanton. He competed in the 2013 derby, finishing second.

In Cincinnati, Harper sat out the event in part because his father, Ron -- who threw to him in 2013 -- hurt his shoulder snowboarding and was unable to take part.

Nevertheless, Harper enjoyed sitting back with the 43,000 in attendance and watching Frazier outduel Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson.

"I had a blast," Harper said. "To be able to watch Joc and Frazier going at it that last round. After Joc hit [14], you're thinking to yourself, 'Man, is Frazier going to come back and do this?' The crowd got behind him, and he had a lot of fun doing it.

"And also, [having] the hometown guy win in front of his crowd is something that's pretty impressive and a lot of fun to watch. So I enjoyed it."