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The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby delivered everything baseball fans could have hoped for. With a brand-new format, no time limits, and plenty of dramatic finishes, Monday night’s event at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia was packed with memorable moments. In the end, though, it was St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker who stole the show in one of the most thrilling championship rounds in Derby history.
MORE: 2026 MLB Home Run Derby participants, new rules & format explained
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) makes a play at bat during the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
This year’s Derby featured an impressive collection of power hitters, including hometown favorites Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, along with Ben Rice (New York Yankees), Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox), Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals), Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays), Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals), and Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox).
The new swing-based format created plenty of suspense throughout the opening round. When the dust settled, Bryce Harper, Ben Rice, Jac Caglianone, and Munetaka Murakami had been eliminated, leaving four sluggers to battle it out in the semifinals.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) bats in the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Jordan Walker advanced to the championship round by defeating 2025 Home Run Derby finalist Junior Caminero, while Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber thrilled the home crowd by knocking off Willson Contreras.
That set up a showdown between Walker and Schwarber in the finals. Playing in front of an electric hometown crowd, Schwarber looked destined to lift the trophy after blasting 11 home runs in the championship round.
Walker, however, had other plans. Needing a remarkable finish, the Cardinals slugger caught fire at exactly the right moment. On his extended “last ball,” Walker launched four consecutive home runs, completing an incredible comeback that stunned the Philadelphia crowd and secured the Home Run Derby title.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) bats in the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Walker’s dramatic victory earned him a place in the record books. Not only did he become the first player in St. Louis Cardinals history to win the MLB Home Run Derby, but he also became the second-youngest player ever to capture the event, behind only Juan Gonzalez.
It was a fitting ending to one of the most entertaining Home Run Derbies in recent memory. The new format delivered nonstop excitement; the hometown fans had plenty to cheer for, and Jordan Walker produced a championship performance that won’t soon be forgotten.
For one unforgettable night in Philadelphia, baseball’s brightest young slugger rose to the occasion and etched his name into Home Run Derby history.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
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MORE: 2026 MLB Home Run Derby participants, new rules & format explained
A Star-Studded Field
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Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) makes a play at bat during the home run derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
This year’s Derby featured an impressive collection of power hitters, including hometown favorites Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, along with Ben Rice (New York Yankees), Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox), Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals), Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays), Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals), and Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox).
The new swing-based format created plenty of suspense throughout the opening round. When the dust settled, Bryce Harper, Ben Rice, Jac Caglianone, and Munetaka Murakami had been eliminated, leaving four sluggers to battle it out in the semifinals.
Walker’s Incredible Finish
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Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) bats in the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Jordan Walker advanced to the championship round by defeating 2025 Home Run Derby finalist Junior Caminero, while Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber thrilled the home crowd by knocking off Willson Contreras.
That set up a showdown between Walker and Schwarber in the finals. Playing in front of an electric hometown crowd, Schwarber looked destined to lift the trophy after blasting 11 home runs in the championship round.
Walker, however, had other plans. Needing a remarkable finish, the Cardinals slugger caught fire at exactly the right moment. On his extended “last ball,” Walker launched four consecutive home runs, completing an incredible comeback that stunned the Philadelphia crowd and secured the Home Run Derby title.
Making History
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Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) bats in the final round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Walker’s dramatic victory earned him a place in the record books. Not only did he become the first player in St. Louis Cardinals history to win the MLB Home Run Derby, but he also became the second-youngest player ever to capture the event, behind only Juan Gonzalez.
It was a fitting ending to one of the most entertaining Home Run Derbies in recent memory. The new format delivered nonstop excitement; the hometown fans had plenty to cheer for, and Jordan Walker produced a championship performance that won’t soon be forgotten.
For one unforgettable night in Philadelphia, baseball’s brightest young slugger rose to the occasion and etched his name into Home Run Derby history.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
