2026 Home Run Derby Field: Junior Caminero In, Netflix Takes Over Broadcast
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby returns to Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13, and for the first time in decades, it will not air on ESPN. Netflix has picked up the broadcast rights, giving the event a new streaming home the night before the All-Star Game takes over Philadelphia. First pitch, or in this case first swing, is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET with gates opening at 5 p.m.
The format stays the same as recent years: eight hitters enter a bracket, with the first round trimming the field to four, a four-player semifinal round following, and the final two sluggers squaring off for the title. It is one of the most bettable non-game events on the sports calendar, and the field is still filling out with just about a week to go.
Junior Caminero Is In, and He Has Unfinished Business
Rays third baseman Junior Caminero became the first official entrant into the field, announcing his participation after a scorching stretch that included seven homers and 15 RBI over a six-game span and a career-long 463-foot blast. He arrives at the midway point of the season slashing .292/.384/.548 with 22 home runs and 49 RBI, numbers that also have him in the mix as a finalist for the AL’s starting third baseman job.
Caminero has a personal score to settle in this event. He put on a show-stopping performance in his Derby debut last year, ultimately falling 18-15 to Seattle’s Cal Raleigh in the final at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Still only 23, Caminero would become the youngest Derby champion in history if he wins this time around, surpassing Juan Gonzalez’s mark set back in 1993. He would also be the first player to represent the Rays twice in the event and the franchise’s first-ever winner.
Notable Names Already Out
A handful of the game’s biggest sluggers have already ruled themselves out. Astros star Yordan Alvarez, the AL MVP frontrunner, told reporters he remains “open” to a future Derby appearance but does not want any part of it during what is shaping up to be the best season of his career. Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, who is ticketed to start behind the plate for the AL, said he would rather use the All-Star break to rest given the toll of a long season. Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said he will take part “someday,” just not this year.
Reigning champion Cal Raleigh is also considered unlikely to return and defend his title, with a rough 2026 season limiting his availability.
Who Fills Out the Rest of the Field
With Caminero locked in, several other sluggers have signaled real interest. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, who leads all of MLB in home runs this season, confirmed to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci that he plans to participate as long as he is healthy and named an All-Star, which should not be in question. A home Derby in front of Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park would be a fitting stage for him.
Rockies backstop Hunter Goodman, tied for second in MLB in homers, has told local reporters he would like to take part. Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, in the midst of a career year with 22 home runs already banked, has said the same, brushing aside concerns that the extra swings could mess with his regular-season timing. Nationals outfielder James Wood, a Derby participant a year ago, looks like a strong bet for a return invite given his rare combination of raw power and bat speed.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, currently fourth in the majors in home runs and expected to start in the outfield for the AL, could be back for a second consecutive Derby appearance as well. Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz, who ranks in the 97th percentile or better in barrel rate, exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and bat speed, is the kind of prospect built for this exact event. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who already owns one of the ten longest home runs of the season, is another name generating buzz for an invite.
A handful of others remain in the conversation as the field rounds out, including Royals slugger Jac Caglianone, White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami, Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, Phillies star Bryce Harper, and Pirates infielder Brandon Lowe.
Betting the Derby
Once the full eight-man field is locked in, expect outright winner odds, first-round matchup lines, and total-homer props across the major sportsbooks. Caminero’s history as last year’s runner-up and his current power surge make him a name worth tracking early, while Schwarber’s status as MLB’s home run leader all season will likely make him one of the shorter-priced options if he’s confirmed for the field. Bettors should keep an eye on Live MLB Odds as the lines take shape throughout Derby week.
If you are getting ready to bet the Derby or the All-Star Game itself, now is a good time to check a DraftKings promo code or a FanDuel promo code before lines get juiced closer to the event. A BetMGM promo code is also worth grabbing if you want extra options for prop bets on individual round totals.
With the full field expected to be finalized in the coming days, Monday night in Philadelphia has all the makings of a loaded Derby, from a redemption arc for Caminero to a hometown showcase for the Phillies’ biggest bats.
Wade Reeser
Sports Betting Contributor
Wade Reeser provides winning sports information to a wide variety of customers through his handicapping service, Proven Wagers! Just how good are these guys? They’re currently up over 600 units since 2023. They can be found on X @ProvenWagers
