Who's competing in the Home Run Derby? Here's who is in already
The derby will showcase some of the best power hitters in baseball on Monday. As the field takes shape, here's what you need to know about each of the participants.
After a month of World Cup festivities, baseball is taking over Philadelphia for Major League Baseball All-Star Week. The biggest event — outside of the All-Star Game itself on Tuesday — will be Monday night’s Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
The derby begins at 8 p.m. and streams for the first time on Netflix. This year, instead of each batter having an unlimited amount of swings in a designated time period, participants will be capped at 20 attempts in the first round and 15 in the semifinals and final.
» READ MORE: Can you name the seven Phillies who have competed in the Home Run Derby? | Quiz
Eight hitters are slated to compete on Monday, but just five have signed on so far. Phillies star slugger Kyle Schwarber has not made his decision whether he will participate. His 32 home runs lead the majors. Bryce Harper is also deliberating about competing.
Here’s what you need to know about the five confirmed participants with three more to come:
Junior Caminero, Rays
Home Run Derby appearances: Two
2026 power numbers: 26 home runs, .541 slugging percentage
What to know: At 22 years old, Caminero almost became the youngest player to win the Derby last year, losing out to Cal Raleigh in the finals. He hit 45 home runs last season and is tied for fourth in baseball with 26 in 2026.
Ben Rice, Yankees
Home Run Derby appearances: First
2026 power numbers: 26 home runs, .573 slugging percentage
What to know: The 27-year old Rice is leading the Yankees in home runs. He has 59 since being called up to the majors three seasons ago.
Jac Caglianone, Royals
Home Run Derby appearances: First
2026 power numbers: 14 home runs, .455 slugging percentage
What to know: Caglianone’s numbers may seem a bit underwhelming compared to his competition. However, the 23-year-old Royals right fielder is coming off a month in which he was one of the best power hitters in baseball. In June, Caglianone hit nine home runs, tied for the second most in the American League in the month.
Willson Contreras, Red Sox
Home Run Derby appearances: First
2026 power numbers: 20 home runs, .541 slugging percentage
What to know: Contreras, who is on pace for a career high in home runs this season, still has tremendous bat speed at age 34, ranking in the 96th percentile (77 mph). He will have his brother William, himself an All-Star as a catcher with the Brewers, there to support him on Monday night.
Jordan Walker, Cardinals
Home Run Derby appearances: First
2026 power numbers: 21 home runs, .534 slugging percentage
What to know: Walker, also a first-time All-Star, is looking to become the first Cardinal to win the derby. After being demoted to triple-A last year, the 24-year-old Walker is having a breakout season after retooling his swing in the offseason. His 92.4 mph exit velocity when he makes contact is fifth-highest in the league.
Baseball's biggest stars are descending on Philadelphia for the 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14. Follow all of The Inquirer's coverage here.
- Everything you need to know about the All-Star Game
- Meet the All-Stars: What to know about baseball’s best coming to town
- Phillies get a sixth All-Star as Jesús Luzardo is added to NL roster
- Kyle Schwarber still deciding whether he’ll compete in the Home Run Derby
- MLB All-Star Week brings a Philly MVP back to Citizens Bank Park’s food lineup