Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper will once again compete in front of a hometown crowd after officially announcing Thursday that he will participate in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, while St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker has also been added to the growing field for Monday night’s power showcase.
Harper confirmed his decision with a brief but enthusiastic post on Instagram, writing, “Derby at home? Sure why not?” His announcement makes him the sixth confirmed participant in this year’s eight-player competition, which will be held at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia as part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities.
The event carries special significance for Harper, who will compete in the Home Run Derby in front of Phillies fans for the first time since joining the club. His previous Derby appearance came in 2018 when he represented the Washington Nationals during All-Star Week in Washington, D.C. That memorable night ended with Harper capturing the Home Run Derby title while wearing patriotic red, white and blue gear before an energized home crowd.
Now 33 years old and a two-time American League/National League MVP, Harper will look to recreate that magic in Philadelphia, where the city is also celebrating its semiquincentennial anniversary. The Derby will take place one night before Harper makes his ninth career All-Star Game appearance, adding another milestone to his decorated career.
Harper enters the All-Star break enjoying another productive offensive season. Through 93 games, the Phillies’ first baseman has launched 20 home runs while continuing to anchor one of the National League’s most dangerous lineups.
Earlier Thursday, MLB also confirmed Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker as another participant in the annual power-hitting contest. Walker will make both his Home Run Derby and All-Star Game debuts after emerging as one of baseball’s breakout stars in 2026.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed the best season of his young career, entering Thursday with a personal-best 21 home runs while leading all of Major League Baseball with 70 RBIs. His breakout campaign earned him his first All-Star selection and now a coveted spot in one of the sport’s premier showcase events.
Walker also becomes the first Cardinals player to participate in the Home Run Derby since franchise legend Albert Pujols competed in 2022, adding another chapter to St. Louis’ rich history in the event.
Fans attending Monday’s contest should expect plenty of towering home runs from Walker, whose elite power numbers rank among the best in baseball. According to Statcast, he owns an average exit velocity of 94.2 mph, tied for fifth among all qualified major league hitters, highlighting the raw power that has fueled his breakout season.
With Harper and Walker joining the field, only two spots remain available in this year’s eight-player competition.
The confirmed participants now include Harper, Walker, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone and Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, setting the stage for one of the most talent-filled Home Run Derby lineups in recent years.
The annual slugging spectacle will kick off Monday night at Citizens Bank Ballpark, with Harper hoping hometown fans can once again cheer him to a Home Run Derby crown eight years after his unforgettable victory in Washington.
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