Kyle Schwarber joins Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby
The addition of Schwarber sets the stage for a potential rematch of the 2018 final against Bryce Harper. Only this time, they are teammates with the Phillies.
DETROIT — The major league home run leader is taking his talents to the Home Run Derby.
Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber announced Friday that he will participate in Monday’s competition at Citizens Bank Park as part of the All-Star festivities. He hit his league-leading 32nd home run on Wednesday against the Reds, which broke Mike Schmidt’s franchise record for most before the All-Star break.
He joins teammate Bryce Harper in the field, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2018 Derby. That year, with Harper representing the Nationals and Schwarber playing with the Cubs, the future teammates found themselves in the final round together in Washington D.C. Harper bashed 19 homers to narrowly best Schwarber’s 18.
» READ MORE: What makes Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber such unique stars? We asked each about the other.
This marks Schwarber’s third time participating in the Derby. He fell to Albert Pujols in the first round in the 2022 iteration.
Schwarber didn’t participate in the 2025 Derby, but still launched the most memorable home runs of All-Star weekend. In the first-ever “swing off” to break the ninth-inning tie between the National League and American League in the All-Star Game, Schwarber hit three homers on three swings and secured the game’s MVP.
Rounding out this year’s field alongside Schwarber and Harper are 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.
Ryan Howard was a three-time All-Star and champion of the 2006 Home Run Derby in his legendary run with the Phillies. With the baseball world coming together in Philadelphia for the 96th All-Star Game, Howard sat down with Phillies Extra to discuss his All-Star memories, his expectations for a Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, his outlook on the Phillies' season, Kyle Schwarber's chances of breaking his single-season franchise mark for homers, and more. Watch here.
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