​The field for the 2026 Home Run Derby is gradually taking shape. Four participants—all from the American League—have already accepted invitations to take part in the event, which serves as the precursor to the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night. With the final weekend series of the first half of the season approaching, four additional spots remain up for grabs.
The Home Run Derby is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This edition introduces several format changes, the most notable being the removal of the traditional timer. Instead, each of the eight competitors will be limited to a defined number of swings, with every swing counted. In the first round, hitters will receive 20 swings, while the semifinals and finals will consist of 15 swings each. If a participant hits a home run on the final swing of any round, they will be allowed to continue swinging until they produce a non-home-run result.
So, who will be competing under these new rules? USA TODAY Sports is tracking which players will vie for the crown at The Bank in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, with updates as the field takes shape.
Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays third baseman who finished as the runner-up in 2025 to Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, was the first player to accept an invitation to participate in the 2026 Derby. The New York Yankees’ first baseman Ben Rice was the second to commit.
Here is the list of players who have accepted invitations to compete, along with their home run totals from this season up to the point where standings were last updated:
– Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays — 26 home runs
– Ben Rice, 1B, New York Yankees — 26 home runs
This section will be updated as more players accept or decline invitations, and as news and developments regarding the Derby emerge.
It remains uncertain whether the MLB home run leader will participate in the Derby at his home ballpark. Kyle Schwarber, who hit his 32nd homer Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds, has indicated he would compete if his back cooperates, as he has been dealing with a sore lower back that sidelined him for two games in June. “I just want to make sure I’m not putting myself in a risky position,” Schwarber told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday.
Likewise, it is not yet clear whether Bryce Harper will participate. In Kansas City over the weekend, the former 2018 Derby champion spoke candidly with reporters about his participation. He said he would consider the event if he can find the right person to throw to him, noting that his father, Ron Harper, is unlikely to be available again after not throwing for some time. “It’s a big thing. You can’t just pick somebody random,” Harper said. With the new format emphasizing swings rather than a timer, the quality of available tossing partners could influence his decision—especially if he doesn’t secure reliable pitching, since the event is built around a fixed number of swings.