katero
Jul 01, 2026

2026 Home Run Derby Participants List: Live Updates of Who's In and Who's Out

2026 Home Run Derby Participants List: Live Updates of Who's In and Who's Out

Here's who's in and who's out for the 2026 Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.Tim Capurso|
Rays slugger Junior Caminero on Tuesday became the first player to enter the 2026 Home Run Derby.
Rays slugger Junior Caminero on Tuesday became the first player to enter the 2026 Home Run Derby. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 Home Run Derby has its first participant. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, in the midst of a red-hot June at the dish in which he's homered in four consecutive games (six dingers during that span), announced via Instagram he'd be participating in the Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Caminero, who belted 45 home runs in an All-Star campaign last season, participated in the Derby for the first time in his career and wowed fans, falling just short of becoming the youngest player to win the event when he lost 18-15 in the final to Cal Raleigh. Caminero, still just 23 years old, again has a chance to become the youngest player to win the Home Run Derby, which will take place on July 13, airing on Netflix.

Full List of Every Player in the 2026 Home Run Derby

Player

Participated in HRD Before?

Junior Caminero

Yes

Who's out? Players who have declined to participate in Home Run Derby

Astros slugger and American League MVP frontrunner Yordan Alvarez, who crushes baseballs like few in the game, told The Athletic last week that he's still “open” to participating in the event in the future, but not this season, which is shaping up to be the best of his career. Meanwhile, Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, who is among the AL leaders in homers and owns the third-longest hit ball of this year, told The Sacramento Bee that he'd like to use the All-Star break to rest as much as possible, even though he's ticketed to start at catcher for the AL in the All-Star Game. Citing the “wear and tear” of the season as a backstop, Langeliers said he won't be taking part in this year's Derby.

Predicting the rest of the Home Run Derby field

Who could join Caminero in Philadelphia? Let's predict the rest of the eight-slugger field.

National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber with 2025 All Star Game MVP trophy.
Kyle Schwarber was named the 2025 All-Star Game MVP after winning a swing-off to help the NL defeat the AL. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kyle Schwarber, Phillies

Schwarber confirmed to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci that he would participate in the Derby as long as he’s healthy and selected to the All-Star Game—the latter of which shouldn’t be an issue. Schwarber leads baseball in homers, is a two-time Derby participant and, should he choose to take part in this year's event, would be hitting in front of the home Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park. He’s a no-brainer participant and teammate Bryce Harper is also a possibility if he’s selected, though that is less likely.

Hunter Goodman, Rockies

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