​Will Kyle Schwarber join Bryce Harper for the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby in front of a home crowd at Citizens Bank Park on July 13? Don Mattingly, Philadelphia’s interim manager, seemed to hint at the idea following the Phillies’ 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on July 9, suggesting that Harper might be participating and that Schwarber could be alongside him. When a reporter pressed him on Harper’s Derby plans, Mattingly remarked, “I’m glad he’s doing it, especially in Philly. Him and Kyle both, right?” Yet after the next question, he appeared to walk back the notion, saying, “Not sure on Kyle yet? OK, I thought Kyle was going to do it. Maybe he’s waiting to make sure everything’s good.” It became clear that Mattingly’s initial comments may have jumped the gun, as Schwarber had not officially announced his own Derby intentions and had to pause for more clarity.
As for the 2026 Home Run Derby field in Philadelphia, the lineup includes several notable sluggers, though Schwarber’s participation remains contingent on his decision and health. The current field features Junior Caminero, a third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays; Ben Rice, a first baseman for the New York Yankees; Jac Caglianone, a first baseman for the Kansas City Royals; Willson Contreras, a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox; and Jordan Walker, a right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. Schwarber has indicated recently that he would be interested in competing if his back cooperates, but he is managing a sore lower back that sidelined him for two games in June. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber reported on July 10 that, if Schwarzber does take one of the final two spots, a Phillies coach or staffer would throw to him, underscoring the practical considerations of a comeback to the Derby stage.
Schwarber has already had a notable Derby history. He first competed in 2018 with the Chicago Cubs and advanced to the finals, where he lost to Harper at Nationals Park. He then returned to the Derby in 2022, and a return in 2026 would mark his first appearance in four years, potentially offering a strong narrative arc for the Phillies at home. As of late June, Schwarber had reached 32 home runs and 58 RBIs, becoming the fastest Phillies player to 30 homers in a season, doing so in just 80 games. His two-run, go-ahead shot at Citi Field against the Mets helped accelerate that milestone. Mattingly had praised Schwarber’s production and leadership during the season, noting that his willingness to contribute for the team’s benefit stood out and that his focus remains on team success rather than personal accolades.
Looking ahead to the Derby, the question remains whether Schwarber will officially commit to the event and join Harper on the Phillies’ home soil on July 13. If he does, the Phillies would add another marquee name to an already intriguing Derby field, and Schwarber’s involvement would mark his first Derby since 2022. Until Schwarber or the team confirms otherwise, fans will be watching closely to see if the slugger’s back allows him to participate and if Mattingly’s early comments were a prelude to more formal news or simply a moment of overenthusiastic speculation.