sports
Jordan Walker overtakes Kyle Schwarber to win 2026 Home Run Derby
The 24-year-old St. Louis Cardinals outfielder defeated Kyle Schwarber in the final round at Citizens Bank Park. Walker hit home runs on his last six swings to finish with 10 in the round.
Jul 13, 10:56 PM·1m read10 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. The 24-year-old first-time All-Star trailed Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies after the hometown player's turn in the final round.
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Walker hit home runs on his final six swings, including his seventh and eighth of the round on consecutive attempts that earned him bonus swings. He finished the round with 10 home runs, one of which traveled 401 feet and struck the top of the center-field fence. Schwarber hit 11 home runs in his 15-swing allotment but placed second.
Walker became the first player in Cardinals history to win the event. He wore his cap backward during the competition in the style of Ken Griffey Jr. and entered the night with a career-high 22 home runs in the 2026 season.
The swing-limit format used 20 swings in the first round and 15 in the second. Other participants included Willson Contreras of Boston, Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay, Ben Rice of New York, Jac Caglianone of Kansas City, and Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox. Bryce Harper hit eight home runs in the first round and did not advance.
This was the first Home Run Derby held 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.
Schwarber 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.
