Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Matt Musico
In case it wasn’t already obvious, we love home runs here. So, you better believe that the All-Star week event I’m most looking forward to this season is the 2026 Home Run Derby. It’d be weird if that wasn’t the case, right?
To properly channel that excitement, I’m collecting information about the event as it becomes available right here.
Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Home Run Derby Performances
Where is the 2026 Home Run Derby?
The Philadelphia Phillies will host the 2026 All-Star Game and All-Star Week activities. Although Citizens Bank Park has been open since 2004, this will be the first time this venue is hosting the Midsummer Classic. The last time it happened in Philly was in 1996 at Veterans Stadium.
The 2026 Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 13 at 8 p.m. EDT.
2026 Home Run Derby Tickets
The Home Run Derby has typically aired on ESPN for just about as long as I can remember. Not this year, though — the honors will go to Netflix in 2026.
But if you’re looking for tickets to this cool event, make sure you save up. Seats aren’t cheap, but there are opportunities to buy some without having to be a millionaire. It’s not like trying to buy tickets for the Super Bowl, ya know.
Interested in seeing what tickets are available to see the Home Run Derby in person? Then check out what’s available with our friends at Vivid Seats.
Who Will Be Participating in the Home Run Derby?
As we continue creeping closer to the All-Star break, news will begin breaking on which players plan on bringing their talents to the Derby. I’ll keep a running tally on who is officially throwing their proverbial hat into the ring below:
- Junior Caminero, who finished second behind Cal Raleigh in the 2025 HR Derby, has announced he’ll be joining the festivities in Philly this year.
- Ben Rice was recently named an All-Star for the first time in his career and is in the middle of having a huge year. He’ll add to a memorable 2026 by participating in the Derby.
- Another first-timer will be joining Rice in the field, as Jac Caglianone announced he’ll be bringing his talents to Philly to put on a show.
- Willson Contreras will attempt to become the first Red Sox slugger since David Ortiz in 2010 to win the Home Run Derby.
- Jordan Walker‘s breakout season with the St. Louis Cardinals is also making him a first-time participant in the Derby.
- Bryce Harper will participate in his second career Derby, representing the Phillies at the Bank. The last time he appeared in this event? That’d be 2018 when he won it for the Nationals in Washington, DC.
- Could we have a rematch of the 2018 Derby Finals? It’s possible now that Kyle Schwarber is officially joining Harper as a second hometown slugger.
- Rookie sensation Munetaka Murakami will round out the field by being yet another first-time participant.
Here’s What the Format Will Look Like in 2026
Eight hitters will make up the entire Home Run Derby field. It will take three rounds to determine a champion.
All eight sluggers will compete against one another in the first round, with the top four home run totals moving on to the semifinals. That’s where players start facing off head-to-head. The player with the most homers in Round 1 will face the one with the fewest, with the middle two facing off against one another.
The rounds have been timed (three minutes long) with pitch limits involved since 2015. But according to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich, MLB is changing the format in 2026. Instead of how it’s been over the past decade, the Derby will go back to a “swings” format:
News: the Home Run Derby is ditching the clock. MLB is using a "swings" system in this year's derby. Derby has had a clock since 2015.
1st round: 20 swings
2nd and 3rd: 15 hacks.On your last pitch each round, swing til you don't go deep.
(Deleted original post here which…
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) June 18, 2026
Other important distinctions here are that there is no timer and no “outs” — every swing a player takes will count toward their allotment for that specific round. There is also no bonus round. If there are any ties in the first round, it will be broken by home run distance. In the semis and finals, there will be three-swing swing-offs.
Who Won the 2025 Home Run Derby?
Cal Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero to become the first catcher ever to win a Home Run Derby title.
A Full Rundown of Home Run Derby History
Before the 2026 Home Run Derby gets underway, it’s important to revisit the event’s history by taking a stroll down memory lane. That’s where we come in to help out.
If you’re looking for a complete list of winners, full standings, old formats, and some videos, head right here. I’ve also discussed the best single-round performances, the best single-derby performances, and the all-time Derby home run leaderboard.
Love home runs? Grab the free MLB Home Run Almanac — all-time, single-season, and postseason leaders for all 30 franchises — and get home run history/blog updates delivered to your inbox twice a week. If you’re new to MLB Daily Dingers, it’s probably best to start here.
