One of the fan favorite events and highlights of MLB All-Star Week takes center stage when the Home Run Derby takes place at 8 p.m. on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.
This year’s field of eight might be one of the better Derby fields in recent years.
Let’s take a look at the sluggers competiting and our PSN Staff picks:
Schwarber finished the first half of the season with an MLB leading 32 home runs, one ahead of Houston’s Yordan Alvlarez. Schwarber was one of the later additions to the field, citing the status of his back as the determining factor. The slugger is participating in his third Home Run Derby after competing in 2018 when he finished runner-up and then once again in 2022.
In last year’s first-ever swing off in the All-Star game. Schwarber smacked three home runs on as many pitches.
The “Showman” has a chance to put on an epic performance at his home ballpark, something he has done before. Remember 2018, when Harper outlasted Schwarber with a 19-18 victory in the championship round at Nationals Park when he was Washington’s prized player? He has a chance to do the same at his home ball park at Citizens Bank Park eight years later.
Harper is also competing in his third Home Run Derby with a runner-up finish in 2013 and has 20 home runs on the season.
The former Ivy League product out of Dartmouth has blasted 28 home runs this season with the New York Yankees. The power hitting lefty has a swing made for drilling baseballs into right field at CBP and could make some noise in the Derby with his 91.8 mph average exit velocity which is in the 87th percentile.
Making his first Derby appearance, he will look to become just the fifth Yankee to win the Home Run Derby.
There might not be a hotter hitter in the league currently than the Tampa Bay Rays’ star third baseman. During a nine-game stretch from June 25-July 4, the recently turned 23-year-old bashed 10 homers including eight in a six-game stretch. He is fourth in MLB with 28 long balls on the season.
Caminero fell short of winning the Derby last year, losing to Seattle’s Cal Raleigh. He was the first participant to confirm he would compete, seemingly hungry to wear the Derby chain around his neck as he looks to claim victory.
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Walker is having a breakout season for the St. Louis Cardinals. After a sluggish start to his big-league career, the 24-year-old has turned in a banner year here in 2026 smacking a career-high 22 home runs in the first half with an MLB leading 74 RBIs.
The 6-foot-6 slugger and former first round pick has the bat speed and hard-hit% to make some noise in the competition.
The Boston Red Sox catcher has been the main run producer for an all of a sudden surging Red Sox team that closed out the first half with nine straight wins. The backstop is well ahead of pace to surpass his career-high in home runs thanks to his 20 in 87 games in the first half.
He has an even split in his home runs, hitting 10 at hitter friendly Fenway Park and 10 on the road.
Known for his light tower power as a prospect, the Kansas City Royal has showcased his elite power tool, putting together an impressive month of June where he hit nine of his 14 home runs on the season.
The young power-hitting lefty will be the first Royals’ participant since Bobby Witt Jr. hit 50 home runs in the 2024 Derby finishing as the runner up.
While he was the last to join the field of eight, he certainly is not the least. The Japanese slugger who was passed over seemingly by every team but the Chicago White Sox is fresh off the IL, returning to the lineup on Friday. Murakami got off to a blistering start to the season, blasting 20 homers through the first two-plus months of the season.
He looks to become the first White Sox slugger to win the Home Run Derby since Frank Thomas did so back in 1995.
Matt Watson’s Pick: Junior Caminero
After finishing runner-up to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the 2025 Home Run Derby, I believe Caminero has the best odds to win in 2026. He was the first player to opt into the derby, and after putting on a show last season, Caminero has launched 27 home runs in regular-season play.
The young Tampa Bay Ray is leading his club to the American League's top record and is looking to add a home run crown to his resume. I expect Caminero to beat out Kyle Schwarber in the final round after an excellent showing from the home team's designated hitter.
Alec Kostival’s Pick: Kyle Schwarber
It almost feels too perfect of a time for Kyle Schwarber to win the Home Run Derby, but sometimes movie scripts are based on real life. The Schwarbarian will bring home the title as Philly and their All-Star representatives cheer on.
It's going to be an awesome derby. I am interested to see what Munetaka Murakami can do on a stage like this. He could be a dark horse in the field. Whatever happens, this is going to be must-watch TV (Netflix).
Kyle Fisher’s Pick : Bryce Harper
Harper and Schwarber go head-to-head in the finals - a rematch of 2018. Home run king vs. the Showman. Harper prevails again, living up to the moniker.
Justin Crosby’s Pick: Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber will prevail in the finals against Harper, giving the fans something to really pour all their energy into. Schwarber will squeak into the finals trying to conserve his energy and his back but once he makes it there, he will go all out against his teammate. CBP will be electric and in the end Harper and Schwarber will make Philly proud.
Cory Nidoh’s Pick: Bryce Harper
My gut tells me Caminero is on a mission and as the hottest hitter when it comes to leaving the yard, he seems poised to win the whole thing. But how can you bet against Harper in this situation?
He comes in with plenty of experience, competing in his third Derby winning it all in 2018 at his old home ballpark as a member of the Nationals and after a winter and spring of uncertainty about the caliber of player he is, this is a perfect storm.
It’s the 250th birthday of America in the birthplace city of the country and his home ballpark. The stage is set for the Showman to add another highlight worthy career moment to his résumé.
Chris Babos Pick: Bryce Harper
Despite entering with the lowest home run total of any participant, Jac Caglianone survives into the second round alongside Schwarber, Harper and Murakami. Schwarber shockingly stumbles in the second round, leaving a final of Harper vs. Murakami.
There is no way The Showman loses that contest at home. Bryce Harper, you are the 2026 Home Run Derby Champ... and certified ELITE.
