​The Home Run Derby is set to carry a distinctly Philadelphia flavor. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper announced on Instagram that he will take part in the Home Run Derby, one of the marquee events surrounding the 96th MLB All-Star Game next week in Philadelphia. As of 5:30 p.m. on July 9, six of the eight spots for the competition have already been filled. Here’s a look at the Derby format—revised for the first time in ten years—and the participants MLB has announced so far.
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 13 at Citizens Bank Park. For the first time, the derby will be streamed live on Netflix. The event details are: Date: Monday, July 13; Time: 8 p.m. ET; Venue: Citizens Bank Park; Location: Philadelphia; Stream: Netflix. As of July 9, five players had committed to the event, with eight players in total set to participate.
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, who sits fourth in the majors with 26 homers, indicated last week that he would participate for a second time. The 22-year-old slugger finished as a runner-up in last year’s competition. Caminero’s continued power has made him a notable figure in this year’s field.
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice confirmed his participation as well. Rice enters the Derby with 25 homers as of July 7, a total that ranks among the top five in MLB.
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone was announced by MLB on July 8 as the third participant. The young slugger is known for his explosive batting numbers and has 14 home runs this season.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was officially added 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.
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker was confirmed by MLB as the fifth participant. Walker is having a breakout season, with 21 homers this year—surpassing his career high of 16 set in 2023. He also boasts 19 doubles, 70 RBIs, and a .294 batting average.
As the event draws nearer, fans are eagerly awaiting the final lineup and the chance to see a Derby that will, for the first time, be highlighted by a strong Philadelphia presence. The mix of established sluggers and rising stars promises an entertaining showcase at Citizens Bank Park, with Netflix providing a new way to experience the excitement of the Home Run Derby.