Full Breakdown
2026 MLB Home Run Derby Set for July 13 at Citizens Bank Park
7/10/2026, 3:33:54 PM
Event Overview
The 2026 Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 13, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the site of the All-Star Game. MLB has replaced the traditional timed rounds with a swing-based format: each hitter receives a set number of swings (20 in the first round, 15 in each subsequent round). Bonus swings are awarded when a batter’s final allotted swing is a home run; the first non-home-run swing in the bonus ends the round.
Confirmed Participants and Season Stats
- Jordan Walker, OF, St. Louis Cardinals – .294/.355/.534 line, 21 home runs, league-leading 70 RBI.
- Willson Contreras, 1B, Boston Red Sox – .287/.381/.545 line, 20 home runs, team-leading power surge.
- Jac Caglianone, RF/1B, Kansas City Royals – .258/.322/.455 line, 14 home runs, 93.7 mph average exit velocity and a 57.2 % hard-hit rate (98th percentile).
- Ben Rice, 1B/DH, New York Yankees – .267/.360/.565 line, 25 HR (some reports list 26 HR) and a career average of 34 HR per 162 games.
- Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays – .292/.384/.548 line, 22 HR (other sources cite 26 HR) and a .548 slugging percentage.
- Bryce Harper, OF, Philadelphia Phillies – three-time Derby participant, 2018 champion, aiming for a second title.
Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) announced he will likely skip the event after returning from a hamstring injury.
New Swing-Based Format
The removal of the clock was intended to emphasize pure power. Each swing, regardless of outcome, counts toward a batter’s total. Players who homer on their final allotted swing earn “bonus swings” that continue until a non-home-run swing ends the round. Ties are broken by longest-distance homers in the first round and by a three-swing swing-off in later rounds.
Player and League Perspectives
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred named Harper a “Legend Pick” for the National League roster, underscoring the event’s hometown appeal. Participants have expressed enthusiasm for the new structure, noting that the swing count rewards consistency while still allowing dramatic comebacks. The Royals highlighted Caglianone’s recent power surge, and the Yankees emphasized Rice’s honor at being invited.
Criticism & Concerns
Some observers worry that eliminating the clock could turn the contest into a “Take-Pitches Derby,” reducing the spectacle of timed pressure. No formal objections have been lodged by the league or players.
Data & Statistics
- Home-run parks: Citizens Bank Park ranks fifth-best for home runs per Statcast.
- Exit velocity leaders: Caglianone’s 93.7 mph average and 110.8 mph longest homer (466 ft) rank among the league’s elite.
- Historical notes: Junior Caminero is only the fourth player to hit 40 HR or more at age 21 or younger, joining Eddie Mathews, Mel Ott and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They asked me if I wanted to and I said 'Yeah,” — Willson Contreras, Red Sox first baseman
- “I was approached a couple of days ago and got asked to do the Home Run Derby and I think I’m going to do it this year,” — Jac Caglianone, Royals slugger
- “He’ll put it in a good spot. It’s going to be great.” — Jac Caglianone (on his father’s pitching)
- “I was really honored. I was hoping they’d ask,' said Rice, who'll aim to become the first Yankees player to win the derby since Aaron Judge in 2017. 'It doesn’t feel real until they actually reach out, but it was cool when they did.” — Ben Rice (on receiving the invitation)
- “'I had to think through it and make sure it was the right decision to participate and see if my dad could do it," Rice said, noting that his father has thrown to him from the time he learned to play to the present.” — Ben Rice
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of home runs recorded by Ben Rice (25 vs. 26) and Junior Caminero (22 vs. 26) at the time of reporting. Additionally, while six participants have been confirmed, the final field size remains uncertain, with some outlets indicating three remaining spots and others awaiting further announcements.
The Derby promises a showcase of emerging power hitters alongside established stars, set against a new format that could reshape the event’s competitive dynamics.
