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Bryce Harper will compete in the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park

“Derby at home? Sure why not?” Harper posted on Instagram, announcing his decision. He won the last Derby he was in, defeating future teammate Kyle Schwarber in 2018.

Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper is on pace to finish this season with 397 career home runs.
Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper is on pace to finish this season with 397 career home runs.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

CINCINNATI — This year’s Home Run Derby will officially have some hometown flavor.

Bryce Harper announced on Instagram Thursday he will participate in the derby, which will be held on Monday.

“Derby at home? Sure why not?” Harper captioned a video of himself homering off the Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft.

Harper, who was included on the National League All-Star roster as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s “Legend Pick,” has 20 homers entering Thursday’s series finale against the Reds.

» READ MORE: Who's competing in the Home Run Derby? Here's who is in already

He last won the Derby in 2018 as a member of the Nationals, the year the All-Star festivities were hosted in Washington, D.C. In the final round, Harper beat future teammate Kyle Schwarber, who was representing the Cubs. Harper tied Schwarber with his 18th homer when the horn sounded before hitting the winner in bonus time.

This year will look a little different, however. Rather than using a timer, the Derby is reverting to a swing-based format where each competitor has a set number of swings for each round.

» READ MORE: Phillies’ Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins relive 2018 Home Run Derby

Schwarber, who bashed his league-leading 32nd homer of the season on Wednesday against the Reds, has not confirmed whether he has decided to participate as well. In addition to Harper, the field includes Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, and Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras.

Harper will look to become the first Phillie to win the Derby since Ryan Howard in 2006.

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