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This is MLB All-Star Week, we are just days away from watching the best players from the American League and National League compete in the game’s annual Midsummer Classic.
The 2026 All-Star Week is being held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, home of the Phillies. The 96th MLB All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 14, while the week also features the Futures game, MLB Draft and the Home Run Derby.
Sluggers Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Munetaka Murakami, Willson Contreras, Ben Rice and Jac Caglianone are the confirmed participants of the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, scheduled for Monday, July 13. The derby begins at 8 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on Netflix.
The Home Run Derby is another much-anticipated event held the day before the All-Star Game. Eight power hitters compete in a knockout format to crown baseball’s best home run hitter. This event has evolved from a simple exhibition into one of MLB’s biggest television events, often comparable to the All-Star Game itself.
MORE: From draft day to Cooperstown: Ranking the greatest careers by original draft slot
Winning a Home Run Derby doesn’t define a career. But an unforgettable performance often becomes one of the signature moments of a player’s legacy. Many famous players have redefined what is possible in baseball’s biggest power-hitting spectacle.
Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) looks on against the Miami Marlins. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Randy Arozarena, the Cuban-Mexican left fielder of the Seattle Mariners, has earned three MLB All-Star selections over his career. Arozarena, then with the Tampa Bay Rays, finished runner-up in the 2023 derby to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after hitting 82 total home runs. He crushed 35 home runs in the semifinal round, one of the best single-round performances in Derby history.
Fox Sports broadcaster David Ortiz speaks on field after Game 2 of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz won the 2010 Home Run Derby with 32 total home runs, defeating the Florida Marlins’ Hanley Ramirez 11-5 in the final for his only derby title. Ortiz spent most of his career with Red Sox, and almost single-handedly altered the franchise’s identity, ending their infamous 86-year World Series curse. In his final All-Star Game in San Diego in 2016, he drew a walk, gave a speech to the AL clubhouse and received a standing ovation from fans and players alike.
Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder during a game against the Los Angeles Angels. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers claimed his second Home Run Derby in 2012 after winning in 2009. Fielder hit the four longest home runs of the 2012 event at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium, including a pair of 476-footers. He managed 28 total home runs, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, 12-7, in the final. Fielder finished 2012 with 30 home runs and 108 RBIs, leading the Tigers to the World Series.
Former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) gets ready to bat against the Milwaukee Brewers. | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Two years after Judge won the derby as a rookie, the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso claimed the first of his two Home Run Derby crowns at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Alonso had to outlast another amazing rookie in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who blasted a record 91 total home runs. The Polar Bear hit 23 home runs in the final to Guerrero Jr.’s 22. Guerrero Jr. barely got through the semifinal, defeating Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers 40-39.
Former Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees. | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Bryce Harper won his only Home Run Derby title to date in 2018, his final season as a member of the Washington Nationals. The derby happened to be at Nationals Park, which made Harper’s comeback victory over the Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber even more exciting. Harper hit nine home runs in the final 50 seconds to tie Schwarber, then won it in his bonus round. Now teammates, Harper and Schwarber will take part in another derby at their home park this year.
Ken Griffey Jr. attends a Team USA exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ken Griffey Jr. won a record three Home Run Derby titles (1994, 1998, 1999), but the 1998 derby at Coors Field is the most memorable. That season is remembered for the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. But at the All-Star break, Griffey was McGwire’s closest competitor. McGwire entered the break with 37 homers to Griffey’s 35 and Sosa’s 33.Griffey announced he wouldn’t participate in the derby because of travel demands, but joined at the last minute. After McGwire went out in the first round, Griffey met Cleveland Indians slugger Jim Thome in the final. Thome managed just two homers, leaving Griffey to cruise to victory with three.
New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (left) is congratulated by right fielder Aaron Judge after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge won the 2017 Home Run Derby with 47 total home runs, edging Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins, 11-10, in the final. Judge became the first rookie to win the Home Run Derby outright. He finished the season with 52 home runs, winning AL Rookie of the Year and finishing second in MVP voting. Unfortunately, Judge won’t be playing the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia due to an injury setback.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh won the 2025 Home Run Derby with a total of 54 home runs, defeating Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final to become the first catcher to claim a derby title. Raleigh achieved his superstar status after earning his first All-Star invitation. Raleigh had 38 home runs at the All-Star break on his way to a breakout campaign of 60 home runs and 125 RBIs.
Former Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton throws out the first pitch prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Josh Hamilton earned five consecutive All-Star selections (2008-2012) during his prime with the Texas Rangers. The former first overall pick became the AL MVP in 2010. He created one of the greatest derby performances ever by crushing 28 first-round home runs at Yankee Stadium in 2008. He put on an incredible display with the bat, launching several baseballs deep, hitting home runs on 13 consecutive swings and setting the mark for the longest bomb of the night at 518 feet. Hamilton finished that season with 32 home runs, 130 RBIs and the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. Alas, an exhausted Hamilton managed just three home runs in the derby’s final round and watched as the Minnesota Twins’ Justin Morneau took the crown.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) looks on against the San Francisco Giants. | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Guerrero won the 2023 Home Run Derby with a total of 72 home runs, defeating Randy Arozarena 25-23 in the finals and eventually becoming the first Blue Jays player to win the event. Guerrero also created the first father-son duo to win the derby after his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. captured the 2007 title. Before leading the Blue Jays on a historic run to the World Series last season, he signed a 14-year, $500 million contract extension to remain the face of the franchise through 2039.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings: All 30 teams ranked ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game
The Home Run Derby has produced some of baseball’s most unforgettable displays of power. Legendary sluggers and rising stars have captivated fans with towering blasts and record-breaking rounds. From Ken Griffey Jr.’s iconic dominance to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s historic title and Josh Hamilton’s unforgettable first-round barrage, these performances have helped define the event. As another Derby approaches, they remain the standard every participant hopes to match.
Continue reading...
The 2026 All-Star Week is being held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, home of the Phillies. The 96th MLB All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 14, while the week also features the Futures game, MLB Draft and the Home Run Derby.
Sluggers Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Munetaka Murakami, Willson Contreras, Ben Rice and Jac Caglianone are the confirmed participants of the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, scheduled for Monday, July 13. The derby begins at 8 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on Netflix.
The Home Run Derby is another much-anticipated event held the day before the All-Star Game. Eight power hitters compete in a knockout format to crown baseball’s best home run hitter. This event has evolved from a simple exhibition into one of MLB’s biggest television events, often comparable to the All-Star Game itself.
MORE: From draft day to Cooperstown: Ranking the greatest careers by original draft slot
Winning a Home Run Derby doesn’t define a career. But an unforgettable performance often becomes one of the signature moments of a player’s legacy. Many famous players have redefined what is possible in baseball’s biggest power-hitting spectacle.
10. Randy Arozarena, 2023
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Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) looks on against the Miami Marlins. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Randy Arozarena, the Cuban-Mexican left fielder of the Seattle Mariners, has earned three MLB All-Star selections over his career. Arozarena, then with the Tampa Bay Rays, finished runner-up in the 2023 derby to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after hitting 82 total home runs. He crushed 35 home runs in the semifinal round, one of the best single-round performances in Derby history.
9. David Ortiz, 2010
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Fox Sports broadcaster David Ortiz speaks on field after Game 2 of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz won the 2010 Home Run Derby with 32 total home runs, defeating the Florida Marlins’ Hanley Ramirez 11-5 in the final for his only derby title. Ortiz spent most of his career with Red Sox, and almost single-handedly altered the franchise’s identity, ending their infamous 86-year World Series curse. In his final All-Star Game in San Diego in 2016, he drew a walk, gave a speech to the AL clubhouse and received a standing ovation from fans and players alike.
8. Prince Fielder, 2012
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Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder during a game against the Los Angeles Angels. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers claimed his second Home Run Derby in 2012 after winning in 2009. Fielder hit the four longest home runs of the 2012 event at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium, including a pair of 476-footers. He managed 28 total home runs, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, 12-7, in the final. Fielder finished 2012 with 30 home runs and 108 RBIs, leading the Tigers to the World Series.
7. Pete Alonso, 2019
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Former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) gets ready to bat against the Milwaukee Brewers. | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Two years after Judge won the derby as a rookie, the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso claimed the first of his two Home Run Derby crowns at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Alonso had to outlast another amazing rookie in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who blasted a record 91 total home runs. The Polar Bear hit 23 home runs in the final to Guerrero Jr.’s 22. Guerrero Jr. barely got through the semifinal, defeating Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers 40-39.
6. Bryce Harper, 2018
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Former Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) works out prior to the game against the New York Yankees. | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Bryce Harper won his only Home Run Derby title to date in 2018, his final season as a member of the Washington Nationals. The derby happened to be at Nationals Park, which made Harper’s comeback victory over the Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber even more exciting. Harper hit nine home runs in the final 50 seconds to tie Schwarber, then won it in his bonus round. Now teammates, Harper and Schwarber will take part in another derby at their home park this year.
5. Ken Griffey Jr., 1998
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Ken Griffey Jr. attends a Team USA exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ken Griffey Jr. won a record three Home Run Derby titles (1994, 1998, 1999), but the 1998 derby at Coors Field is the most memorable. That season is remembered for the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. But at the All-Star break, Griffey was McGwire’s closest competitor. McGwire entered the break with 37 homers to Griffey’s 35 and Sosa’s 33.Griffey announced he wouldn’t participate in the derby because of travel demands, but joined at the last minute. After McGwire went out in the first round, Griffey met Cleveland Indians slugger Jim Thome in the final. Thome managed just two homers, leaving Griffey to cruise to victory with three.
4. Aaron Judge, 2017
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New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (left) is congratulated by right fielder Aaron Judge after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge won the 2017 Home Run Derby with 47 total home runs, edging Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins, 11-10, in the final. Judge became the first rookie to win the Home Run Derby outright. He finished the season with 52 home runs, winning AL Rookie of the Year and finishing second in MVP voting. Unfortunately, Judge won’t be playing the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia due to an injury setback.
3. Cal Raleigh, 2025
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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh won the 2025 Home Run Derby with a total of 54 home runs, defeating Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final to become the first catcher to claim a derby title. Raleigh achieved his superstar status after earning his first All-Star invitation. Raleigh had 38 home runs at the All-Star break on his way to a breakout campaign of 60 home runs and 125 RBIs.
2. Josh Hamilton, 2008
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Former Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton throws out the first pitch prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Josh Hamilton earned five consecutive All-Star selections (2008-2012) during his prime with the Texas Rangers. The former first overall pick became the AL MVP in 2010. He created one of the greatest derby performances ever by crushing 28 first-round home runs at Yankee Stadium in 2008. He put on an incredible display with the bat, launching several baseballs deep, hitting home runs on 13 consecutive swings and setting the mark for the longest bomb of the night at 518 feet. Hamilton finished that season with 32 home runs, 130 RBIs and the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. Alas, an exhausted Hamilton managed just three home runs in the derby’s final round and watched as the Minnesota Twins’ Justin Morneau took the crown.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2023
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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) looks on against the San Francisco Giants. | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Guerrero won the 2023 Home Run Derby with a total of 72 home runs, defeating Randy Arozarena 25-23 in the finals and eventually becoming the first Blue Jays player to win the event. Guerrero also created the first father-son duo to win the derby after his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. captured the 2007 title. Before leading the Blue Jays on a historic run to the World Series last season, he signed a 14-year, $500 million contract extension to remain the face of the franchise through 2039.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings: All 30 teams ranked ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game
Conclusion
The Home Run Derby has produced some of baseball’s most unforgettable displays of power. Legendary sluggers and rising stars have captivated fans with towering blasts and record-breaking rounds. From Ken Griffey Jr.’s iconic dominance to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s historic title and Josh Hamilton’s unforgettable first-round barrage, these performances have helped define the event. As another Derby approaches, they remain the standard every participant hopes to match.
Continue reading...
