Bryce Harper Announces Entry Into 2026 Home Run Derby
Jun 21, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper (3) reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Bryce Harper announced via his Instagram on Thursday that he will be entering the 2026 Home Run Derby, taking place as one of the several All-Star week events at Citizens Bank Park in Philly.
Harper joins sluggers Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees Ben Rice, Kansas City Royals Jac Caglianone, Boston Red Sox Willson Contreras, and St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker.
Harper’s entry makes him the first Phillie to enter the Derby this season; however, he may not be the only one. Kyle Schwarber has stated he would enter the Derby if his back was feeling sufficient. Until an announcement is made, the Phillies get to enjoy the fact that Harper is in the Derby.
It had been up in the air about whether Harper would join the Derby. The reason being that he did not have someone to throw for him. In the past, Harper’s dad, Ron, had been his thrower. Harper said his father had not thrown in a while. As of now, reports indicate that Dodgers coach Dino Ebel could be the one to throw to Harper, whose value is the fact that he threw to Kyle Schwarber last year during the All-Star Game swing-off and received high praise from Schwarber for it.
Harper enters as one of the most illustrious hitters in the field, and while he is not a part of the youthful group that includes Caminero and Caglianone, he is still one of the better hitters in the league. Harper currently sits on the year in the top 20 of both home runs and OPS with 20 and .880, respectively. He also has a slash line of .264/.371/.509. Harper, even in his mid-30s, is still one of the more dangerous hitters in the league.
This is the third time that Harper will enter the home run derby. Making his first appearance in 2013, and his most recent coming in 2018, when he won at Nationals Park during his final season as a Washington National. Harper’s 2018 Derby ended with him defeating future teammate Kyle Schwarber in the finals, hitting 45 home runs total in that Derby. If Harper wins in Philly, he will become the fifth hitter all-time with multiple Derby victories, and the first to do so in his own park multiple times.
Christopher DeMaio
Christopher is a Delaware County Native and a graduate of Devon Preparatory School, class of 2025. He is currently attending University and is in his second semester. Chris, growing up playing since the age of 4, fell in love with his hometown Phillies and continues that love with listening to sports radio, reading articles, writing for Philly Sports Reports’ Phillies team, and, of course, watching the Phils.
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