​The Home Run Derby stands as one of the marquee events surrounding the 96th MLB All-Star Game next week in Philadelphia. As the event approaches, the field of contenders is filling out rapidly. By 2 p.m. on July 9, five of the eight spots had been filled, and none of the Phillies’ sluggers had yet committed to participating. Here is a look at the format, which has been adjusted for the first time in a decade, along with the participants MLB has announced so far.
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby will take place on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park. For the first time, the derby will be streamed live on Netflix. The schedule is set for Monday, July 13 at 8 p.m. ET, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with the event available to stream on Netflix.
As of July 9, five players had committed to the derby, with a total of eight competitors expected. Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman who ranks fourth in the majors with 26 homers, indicated last week that he would compete for a second time. The 22-year-old slugger finished as the runner-up last year. Caminero’s participation adds a familiar face to a lineup already brimming with power.
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees has confirmed his participation. Rice comes into July 7 with 25 home runs on the season, tying him for fifth in MLB in long balls.
Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals’ first baseman/outfielder, was announced by MLB as the third participant on July 8. The young slugger is known for his explosive batted-ball numbers and has recorded 14 homers so far this season.
Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox was confirmed by MLB on July 8 as the fourth contestant. In his first season with Boston, the 34-year-old veteran has already hit 20 homers, matching his total from last season with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals was named the fifth participant by MLB. Walker is enjoying a breakout season, with 21 homers, surpassing his career-high of 16 set in 2023. He also has 19 doubles, 70 RBIs, and a .294 batting average.
The field will be completed with three additional players to reach the eight-competitor limit, with MLB set to finalize the lineup in the days ahead. The format changes announced for this year include updates to the rules and structure after a decade, aimed at enhancing the competition and audience engagement.
In summary, the Derby is poised to be a highlight of the All-Star festivities in Philadelphia, with Netflix providing live streaming for the first time, a refreshed format after ten years, and a young, dynamic field featuring Caminero, Rice, Caglianone, Contreras, and Walker, among others who will join the eight-man slate.