Who is in the Home Run Derby? Tracking the rumors, confirmed participants for 2026 contest

Baseballs will be flying at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, when eight of MLB's biggest power bats will step into the batter's box and chase the crown captured by Cal Raleigh last summer.

Following tradition, at least one hometown favorite will be among them. The Phillies have some prime Home Run Derby candidates, including Kyle Schwarber, so the local fans should have something to cheer for.

The derby is returning to a swings-based format rather than a time-based format, which should allow players to take their time in the box. All eight hitters will be figuring out how to take advantage of the new format in real time, which adds another layer of intrigue to the event.

Who's in this year's Home Run Derby? Here are the confirmed participants and the latest rumors.

MORE: See the fight between Willson Contreras, Cade Cavalli

Home Run Derby 2026 participants updates & rumors

Confirmed participants

• Junior Caminero, 3B, Rays
• Ben Rice, 1B, Yankees
• Jac Caglianone, OF, Royals

Follow along for the latest Home Run Derby announcements and rumors below.

Jac Caglianone to participate in first Home Run Derby

• Date: July 8

Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone will be taking swings in the Derby, he announced on social media on Wednesday, which MLB then made official. 

The 23-year-old will join Caminero for the chance to be the youngest Derby winner ever. With 14 home runs this season and 21 as a big-leaguer since making his debut in 2025, will be the Royals' first representative at the event since Bobby Witt Jr. in 2024. 

While Caglianone was not named an All-Star, he has shown off plenty of long-range homer power in the past. He was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and quickly moved through the minors to become a cornerstone outfielder for the Royals.

Ben Rice to participate in first Home Run Derby

• Date: July 7

Yankees 1B Ben Rice announced he will participate in the Home Run Derby for the first time, with his dad as his pitcher.

The 27-year-old Rice has enjoyed a remarkable rise, as he was a 12th-round pick in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic washed away much of his college career at Dartmouth. Called up out of desperation in 2024, Rice hit .171 as a rookie but broke through with 26 home runs in 2025 and already has 25 home runs through 85 games this season.

Rice is looking to become the first Yankee to win the derby since teammate Aaron Judge in 2017.

Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper in the running for Home Run Derby

• Date: July 5

Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are both hoping to participate in the Home Run Derby in front of their home fans in Philadelphia.

Schwarber will participate as long as his back feels well enough, while Harper said he needs to find the right pitcher before committing.

NEWS: Kyle Schwarber tells Tom Verducci that he is planning to participate in the Home Run Derby as long as his back feels fine. pic.twitter.com/CFVGPczu8u

Harper won the derby at home in 2018 while playing for the Nationals, and he also participated as a 20-year-old in 2013. Schwarber has also participated twice, including a runner-up finish to Harper in 2018.

Pete Crow-Armstrong won't participate in Home Run Derby

• Date: June 30

Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has turned down the All-Star Game yet again. After declining his invitation in 2025, PCA said that he'll do it "someday", but that time would not be in 2026. 

It is notable to point out that the 2027 MLB All-Star Weekend will take place at Wrigley Field, home to Crow-Armstrong's Cubs team. So perhaps he is waiting to make his Derby debut in front of the home Chicago crowd. 

Junior Caminero confirms Home Run Derby participation

• Date: June 30

Rays star Junior Caminero became the first confirmed Home Run Derby participant, announcing his return to the competition after a strong runner-up finish last season. 

The 23-year-old slugger has established himself as one of baseball's best power hitters regardless of age, as he hit 45 home runs for the Rays in his first full MLB season and has 26 home runs through 88 games this season after a recent stretch of 11 home runs in 11 games.

No Rays hitter has ever won the Home Run Derby, though Caminero came close in 2025.