The Roster Takes Shape
The 2026 Home Run Derby lands on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and it's already shaping up as a must-see event with the defending champion, Cal Raleigh of the Mariners, set to return. Last year, Raleigh edged the Rays' Junior Caminero in the final to claim the title.
Given the host city's advantage, the Phillies deserve representation. Bryce Harper is the obvious choice — he's an eight-time All-Star having a power-packed season and has expressed interest, provided he makes the roster. "I've got to see how my body feels," Harper told the Philadelphia Inquirer recently. "It would be a blast to be able to play in an All-Star Game here."
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
A second Phillie makes sense, and Kyle Schwarber fits perfectly. He finished runner-up to Harper in the 2018 Derby and currently leads MLB with 23 home runs this season. Adding a local connection, Mike Trout — a South Jersey native and Eagles fan — is enjoying a resurgent year and seems genuinely excited about the possibility of playing near home.
The Margins Are Thin
For drama, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves would give Phillies fans someone to boo. He participated in 2019 and 2022, was a late scratch last season, and recently returned from injury ready to power up.
Yordan Alvarez of the Astros has never competed in a Derby despite monster power — he hit 22 home runs this season and 37 in 2022. He'd bring legitimate villainy given his clutch postseason history against Philadelphia.
Miguel Vargas of the resurgent White Sox offers a hidden gem at 15 home runs, while Ben Rice of the Yankees has broken out with 18 homers this season after a 26-homer showing last year.
The Next Test Arrives
Finally, Junior Caminero returns as the runner-up from last year's loss to Raleigh. The 18-15 final score gives him unfinished business in Philadelphia.