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The countdown to the 2026 T-Mobile MLB Home Run Derby is on. The annual showcase of the game’s top sluggers will take place on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
The full list of competitors is still being finalized, so check back as more names are confirmed!
RELATED:Watch the first round of the MLB Draft and the 2026 MLB Futures game on NBC and Peacock!
Recently named to his first All-Star team, Rice has elected to participate in his first Home Run Derby, as well. With Aaron Judge sidelined, Rice has emerged as the Yankees' key power source this season. While the 27-year-old has cooled down in recent weeks, he leads the Bombers in both home runs and RBI. Making the upcoming Home Run Derby extra special, Rice announced on Instagram that his dad, Dan, will be throwing to him.
Caminero is back to avenge last year's loss to Cal Raleigh in the finals. The 22-year-old became the first confirmed competitor after making an announcement on his Instagram account. After exploding for 45 home runs in 2025, the 22-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the game’s elite power bats. He recently became the youngest player since 1900 to hit a home run in six straight games. Caminero is a big reason why the Rays own the best record in the American League.
Caglianone isn't an All-Star, but he's headed to Philadelphia for his first Home Run Derby. The 23-year-old struggled as a rookie last season, but he's made some major strides so far this year, including nine homers and a 1.036 OPS in the month of June. Caglianone has a quick bat (97th percentile in bat speed) from the left side of the plate and hits the ball extremely hard, as he ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in barrel percentage, average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage. He's also among the leaders in average home run distance. Get ready for a fun power display in Philly.
Contreras will appear in his first Home Run Derby at the age of 34. He's enjoyed a great first half with the Red Sox, reaching 20 homers for the seventh time in his career. He's poised to blow well past his career-high of 24 homers from 2019. The power has been legitimately impressive, as he's tied for second in the majors in average home run distance. Contreras was recently named to the All-Star team after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. withdrew due to a back injury. He'll aim to become the first Red Sox player to win the competition since David Ortiz in 2010.
One of the best stories of the 2026 season so far, Walker has finally begun to deliver on his immense potential. The 24-year-old former top prospect has already established a new career-high in home runs while seeing major boosts in his quality of contact. His elite average bat speed (79.1 mph) is only topped by Junior Caminero, who is also tapped to participate in this year's Home Run Derby.
This year’s Home Run Derby comes with some new wrinkles, as MLB has done away with the timer that has been used since 2015. Instead, the competition will go back to a swing-based format.
Here’s what to know:
Note: If a hitter homers on their final swing, they can continue to swing until they don’t homer.
Consistent with recent years, there is no bracket for the first round, as all eight hitters will compete within a single pool. The top four home run hitters will advance to the second round and seeding will be based on how many home runs were hit in the first round, with distance serving as the tiebreaker. In the second and third rounds, ties would be decided by three-swing swing-offs.
2025: Cal Raleigh
2024: Teoscar Hernandez
2023: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2022: Juan Soto
2021: Pete Alonso
2020: N/A
2019: Pete Alonso
2018: Bryce Harper
2017: Aaron Judge
Continue reading...
The full list of competitors is still being finalized, so check back as more names are confirmed!
RELATED:Watch the first round of the MLB Draft and the 2026 MLB Futures game on NBC and Peacock!
When is the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
- Date: Monday, July 13
- Place: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: Netflix
Who is in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
Ben Rice (26 home runs - tied 4th in MLB)
Recently named to his first All-Star team, Rice has elected to participate in his first Home Run Derby, as well. With Aaron Judge sidelined, Rice has emerged as the Yankees' key power source this season. While the 27-year-old has cooled down in recent weeks, he leads the Bombers in both home runs and RBI. Making the upcoming Home Run Derby extra special, Rice announced on Instagram that his dad, Dan, will be throwing to him.
Junior Caminero (26 home runs — tied 4th in MLB)
Caminero is back to avenge last year's loss to Cal Raleigh in the finals. The 22-year-old became the first confirmed competitor after making an announcement on his Instagram account. After exploding for 45 home runs in 2025, the 22-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the game’s elite power bats. He recently became the youngest player since 1900 to hit a home run in six straight games. Caminero is a big reason why the Rays own the best record in the American League.
Jac Caglianone (14 home runs)
Caglianone isn't an All-Star, but he's headed to Philadelphia for his first Home Run Derby. The 23-year-old struggled as a rookie last season, but he's made some major strides so far this year, including nine homers and a 1.036 OPS in the month of June. Caglianone has a quick bat (97th percentile in bat speed) from the left side of the plate and hits the ball extremely hard, as he ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in barrel percentage, average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage. He's also among the leaders in average home run distance. Get ready for a fun power display in Philly.
Willson Contreras (20 home runs)
Contreras will appear in his first Home Run Derby at the age of 34. He's enjoyed a great first half with the Red Sox, reaching 20 homers for the seventh time in his career. He's poised to blow well past his career-high of 24 homers from 2019. The power has been legitimately impressive, as he's tied for second in the majors in average home run distance. Contreras was recently named to the All-Star team after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. withdrew due to a back injury. He'll aim to become the first Red Sox player to win the competition since David Ortiz in 2010.
Jordan Walker (21 home runs - tied 10th in MLB)
One of the best stories of the 2026 season so far, Walker has finally begun to deliver on his immense potential. The 24-year-old former top prospect has already established a new career-high in home runs while seeing major boosts in his quality of contact. His elite average bat speed (79.1 mph) is only topped by Junior Caminero, who is also tapped to participate in this year's Home Run Derby.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby Rules
This year’s Home Run Derby comes with some new wrinkles, as MLB has done away with the timer that has been used since 2015. Instead, the competition will go back to a swing-based format.
Here’s what to know:
- Round 1: 20 swings
- Round 2: 15 swings
- Finals: 15 swings
Note: If a hitter homers on their final swing, they can continue to swing until they don’t homer.
Consistent with recent years, there is no bracket for the first round, as all eight hitters will compete within a single pool. The top four home run hitters will advance to the second round and seeding will be based on how many home runs were hit in the first round, with distance serving as the tiebreaker. In the second and third rounds, ties would be decided by three-swing swing-offs.
Who are the recent Home Run Derby winners?
2025: Cal Raleigh
2024: Teoscar Hernandez
2023: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2022: Juan Soto
2021: Pete Alonso
2020: N/A
2019: Pete Alonso
2018: Bryce Harper
2017: Aaron Judge
Continue reading...
