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Jordan Walker Edges Kyle Schwarber to Win 2026 Home Run Derby
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals defeated Kyle Schwarber in the final round of the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday night. The 24-year-old first-time All-Star hit six consecutive home runs to overcome a deficit and claim the title.
Jul 13, 10:56 PM·1m read9 sources
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Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals won the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia by hitting home runs on his final six swings. The 24-year-old first-time All-Star trailed Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber after the hometown favorite's turn in the final round but rallied with two swings remaining.
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Walker hit his seventh home run of the round, then his eighth on the next swing to earn bonus swings and finished with 10 total, including a 401-foot drive that struck the top of the center-field fence. Schwarber hit 11 home runs during his 15-swing allotment but fell short. Walker became the first player in Cardinals history to win the event.
Walker wore his cap backward in the style of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. during the competition. He entered the night with a career-high 22 home runs in the 2026 season. The swing-limit format featured 20 swings in the first round and 15 in the second.
Other participants included Boston's Willson Contreras, Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero, New York's Ben Rice, Kansas City's Jac Caglianone and Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami. Bryce Harper hit eight home runs in the first round and did not advance. This was the first Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park since the stadium opened in 2004.
The event aired on Netflix for the first time as part of a three-event broadcast package. Schwarber finished as runner-up for the second time. He said Walker slowed the moment effectively despite the home crowd's support.
Walker said he could not fault the Philadelphia fans' loyalty to local players.
