Youngest HR Derby winners: Cardinals' Jordan Walker makes history with 2026 victory over Kyle Schwarber

PHILADELPHIA, P.A. —  There aren't many athletes who can say they've ripped the hearts out of Philadelphia's crazed sports fanbase. Yordan Alvarez did it with a blast in the 2022 World Series. Kawhi Leonard did it with a Game 7 buzzer-beater in 2019 that bounced off the rim. Now, Jordan Walker may be joining the list of sports villains in the City of Brotherly Love.

Walker went on a home run rampage to win the 2026 Home Run Derby on Monday night, securing the trophy by overcoming hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber's 11 home runs in the final round. Instead of Philadelphia's beloved slugger, it was Walker who stepped off the field with a silver double-bat trophy, an "MVP" Netflix jacket and a massive "Derby Champ" chain.

As he left the home crowd disappointed, Walker also became one of the youngest winners in the event's history — and the first Cardinal to win it. Already a rising star in St. Louis, the outfielder could be on his way to becoming a household name.

Here's a look at Walker's comeback Home Run Derby performance, where he ranks among the youngest Derby winners and more.

MORE: Full results, highlights from 2026 Home Run Derby

Youngest ever HR Derby winners

Walker didn't quite top the list of youngest Derby winners — that distinction will remain with Juan Gonzalez for at least one more year.

In 1993, Gonzalez won the event at 23 years, 265 days old. That's a mark that's been challenged in recent years, with a young Juan Soto winning in 2022 and the Rays' Junior Caminero contending in both 2025 and 2026.

Walker, 24, now becomes the fifth-youngest Derby champion. After being selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft but struggling in his first few seasons, the Cardinals outfielder has announced his arrival in 2026.

Here's a look at the youngest Derby winners:

Player	Derby Year	Age
Juan Gonzalez	1993	23 years, 265 days
Juan Soto	2022	23 years, 266 days
Ruben Sierra	1989	23 years, 277 days
Wally Joyner	1986	24 years, 28 days
Jordan Walker	2026	24 years, 52 days

MORE: Why fans were left unimpressed with Netflix's Home Run Derby broadcast

Jordan Walker homers on final six swings 

Walker's run to the Derby title came in dramatic fashion. With Schwarber hitting 11 home runs with his 15 swings, that was the number for Walker to beat in the finals.

He had a solid start, but with five swings remaining, he had just five home runs. But from there, Walker couldn't be stopped — despite the weight of 40,000 Philadelphians booing him.

Walker finished with six home runs in a row, finishing his Derby comeback with a shot into left field to disappoint the home crowd:

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 14, 2026

What did Jordan Walker say about winning HR Derby?

Facing boos the entire night, especially during the final round, Walker took the high road when discussing the Philadelphia crowd. 

"Philly was brutal," Walker said after the Derby. "But I think it's pretty special because they love their players. And that's what you want from where you play."

— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) July 14, 2026

Prior to then, on Netflix, Walker said that "I was once told you don't boo nobodies."

— ESPN (@espn) July 14, 2026

In the immediate moments after winning the event, Walker soaked it all in with his father on the Netflix broadcast.

"Absolutely, I was nervous, man," Walker said. 

— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) July 14, 2026

Walker also spoke about his mindset with the final six swings, needing to hit a collection of home runs to win it.

"My one thought was to stay fluid," Walker said. "Can't swing too hard, I'll miss the ball. And that was it."

The man of the hour, Jordan Walker, with his glorious Netflix Home Run Derby chain pic.twitter.com/d8rdYy59xZ

— Daniel Mader (@DanielMader_) July 14, 2026

MORE: Home Run Derby records: Most home runs hit in a single round, year in MLB history

How many career HRs does Jordan Walker have?

Walker had totaled 49 home runs in his career so far — but 22 of them have come this season. 

The Cardinals outfielder has turned a new corner in 2026 after a slow start to his career, breakout out to earn an All-Star bid this season.

MORE: Home Run Derby winners by year

Where is the 2027 HR Derby?

Next year's Home Run Derby, as well as all of MLB's All-Star festivities, will be held at Wrigley Field in Chicago, the home of the Cubs.