Bryce Harper will be swinging for the fences at home this time, and he wants to make sure that the balls fly out of Citizens Bank Park.
The Philadelphia Philliesfirst baseman announced Thursday that he will compete in Monday's Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, his third career appearance, looking to add another HR Derby title to his trophy case.
Harper has hit 20 home runs this season, carrying a .261 batting average and a .870 OPS into All-Star weekend. It will be his first derby appearance since 2018, when he beat now-teammate Kyle Schwarber in the final round at Nationals Park while playing for the Washington Nationals. He also finished runner-up to Yoenis Cespedes in 2013.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Now Harper is trying to make the event even more chaotic. Competitors head to the derby with custom-made bats, adorned with special paint jobs and graphics to show off some flair during the competition. However, he floated an idea with ESPN's Buster Olney on how to spice up the derby's gold-ball bonus round.
Harper's pitch: When gold balls enter play, let hitters swing aluminum bats instead of wood. MLB would likely need a waiver from every fan in the outfield seats before signing off on it, but the idea fits a player who has never been shy about turning the derby into a show.
Harper is trying to win another derby at home as well as the fifth multi-champion in derby history. Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel will be on the mound to throw to Harper. The Phillies now head to Detroit for a three-game series against the Tigers before returning home for the All-Star break.
The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia will take place on Monday, July 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Netflix.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Prop Bets Today: Best MLB Player Prop Predictions for Friday, July 10
- Home Run Predictions Today: Best MLB HR Prop Bets for Friday, July 10
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Friday, July 10
