2026 MLB Home Run Derby: A New Era of Swinging

This year’s Home Run Derby promises to be an electrifying event, as some of baseball’s most powerful hitters take to the stage at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 13. The clock may be gone, but the excitement is sure to be palpable as the competition unfolds under the new swing-based format.

One player who won’t be participating in the Home Run Derby is Mike Trout, the Angels’ star outfielder. Trout, who hails from Millville, New Jersey, about 20 miles south of Philadelphia, is currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain and has announced that he will likely pass on the event. His absence will be felt, as Trout is a future Hall of Famer who would have been a natural fit for the competition.

Another player who has opted out of the Home Run Derby is Yordan Alvarez, the Astros’ star slugger. Alvarez cited his recent batting injuries as the reason for his decision, which is a shame, as he would have been a formidable competitor.

2026 MLB Home Run Derby Field: The Players to Watch

As the Home Run Derby field begins to take shape, three players have already announced their participation. Here’s a look at the players who will be swinging away in Philadelphia:

Willson Contreras: The Red Sox Slugger

Willson Contreras, the Red Sox’s star catcher, has announced that he will participate in the Home Run Derby. Contreras, who was added to the All-Star Game roster as a replacement for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has been having a breakout season, hitting .287/.381/.545 with 20 home runs. He’s poised to smash his previous career high of 24 homers in 2019 and will be the first Red Sox player in the Home Run Derby since Adrián González and David Ortiz in 2011.

Jac Caglianone: The Royals’ Rookie Sensation

Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ young slugger, has also announced his participation in the Home Run Derby. Caglianone, the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft, has been making waves in the baseball world with his impressive power numbers. He’s hitting .258/.322/.455 with 14 home runs and recently hit six homers in a five-game span. Caglianone will be the first Royal to take his hacks in the Home Run Derby since Bobby Witt Jr. in 2024 and will be looking to make a statement in front of a national audience.

Ben Rice: The Yankees’ Power-Hitting First Baseman

Ben Rice, the Yankees’ first baseman/designated hitter, has also signed on to participate in the Home Run Derby. Rice, who’s having a breakout season, is hitting .267/.360/.565 with 25 home runs. He’s leading the Yankees in home runs and is third in the American League leaderboard. Rice’s impressive power numbers make him a natural fit for the competition, and he’ll be looking to bring some of that success to the Home Run Derby stage.

One player who has already committed to the Home Run Derby is Junior Caminero, the Rays’ third baseman. Caminero, who’s having a monster season, hit six home runs in four games and is fifth in baseball with 22 home runs. He’s also a threat on the basepaths, with 12 stolen bases. Caminero’s impressive numbers make him a player to watch in the Home Run Derby, and he’ll be looking to bring some of that success to the competition.

With four spots still open in the Home Run Derby field, the competition is heating up. Who will be the next players to announce their participation? Stay tuned to find out.