​Who’s in the Home Run Derby? Tracking the rumors and confirmed participants for the 2026 contest originally appeared in The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. Baseballs will be flying at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, as eight of MLB’s biggest power bats step into the batter’s box and chase the crown last claimed by Cal Raleigh. Following tradition, at least one hometown favorite will be among them, and the Phillies boast several prime Home Run Derby candidates, including Kyle Schwarber, giving local fans plenty to cheer for. This year’s event returns to a swings-based format rather than a time-based one, allowing players to take their time in the box and strategize how to maximize their power. The eight hitters will have the chance to learn and adapt to the new format in real time, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the spectacle.
So, who’s in this year’s Home Run Derby? Here are the confirmed participants and the latest rumors. For more updates, see the ongoing coverage of the Derby as announcements roll in.
Jac Caglianone, OF, Royals; Willson Contreras, 1B, Red Sox; Kyle Schwarber, DH, Phillies.
Date: July 10. In his first MLB season, Munetaka Murakami will participate in the Home Run Derby. The slugger missed a considerable stretch of the 2026 season but has returned just ahead of the All-Star break, and he is set as the eighth and final participant in the Derby field.
Date: July 10. Roughly a day after Bryce Harper learned he would be taking at-bats in the Derby, Kyle Schwarber was also announced as a participant in this year’s competition. During his time with the Chicago Cubs, Schwarber fell in the Derby finals in 2018 to Harper, and he also competed in 2022 as a Phillie.
Date: July 9. Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper has joined the Derby field, becoming the field’s sixth participant. The 33-year-old veteran has previously found success in the Derby, winning the event in 2018. As of July 9, Harper sits with the 15th-most home runs in the league, totaling 20.
Date: July 9. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has joined the Derby field, becoming the fifth player to enter. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a breakout 2026 season, already posting career-best numbers with 21 home runs and 70 RBIs, and his addition injects more youth into next week’s Derby.
Date: July 8. Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras will participate in the Home Run Derby for the first time, marking the third AL East slugger in the field. Despite recent controversies, Contreras has enjoyed a strong first season in Boston, batting .287 with 20 home runs and a .926 OPS through 87 games. The former Cubs and Cardinals standout is four homers shy of his career high and is the first Red Sox participant in the Derby since David Ortiz in 2010.