The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will showcase some of the best home run hitters across the league in Philadelphia this July. And on June 30, the first individual declared his intention to participate. He’s a familiar name, as he nearly won the whole thing back in Atlanta one year earlier.
List of players in 2026 Home Run Derby
Here’s the list of confirmed participants for the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby:
| Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Junior Caminero | Rays |
Junior Caminero was the first to declare for the 2026 event, as he announced his intention to participate on Instagram back on June 30.
Caminero was in the event in 2025, one that was ultimately won by Cal Raleigh. The Rays’ third baseman made it to the Finals, though, as he had an incredibly strong run in Atlanta. He tallied 44 total home runs, including 21 in the first round, which paced the rest of the group.
He entered play on June 30 with 22 home runs and was on a four-game homer streak. During that stretch, he hit six total home runs.
More players will be announced over the coming days, leading up to the event in mid-July.
Who won’t be in the event?
We know that Mike Trout likely won’t be in the Home Run Derby.
Trout acknowledged in June that his hamstring injury would hold up any idea of his participating in the event. The 2026 Home Run Derby will be held in Philadelphia, not too far from Trout’s hometown of Millville, New Jersey.
Yordan Alvarez stated in June that he won’t hit in the 2026 Home Run Derby. Alvarez has been one of the best home run hitters in the game this year, as he entered June 30 with 25 home runs on the season.
The 2026 Home Run Derby will be contested on July 13, one day before the All-Star Game.
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