The city of Philadelphia is gearing up for its first Home Run Derby in more than a decade, and the excitement is palpable as two of its own stars prepare to take the field at Citizens Bank Park.
Swing‑Based Format Returns to the Derby
This year's competition will be judged by the number of swings a player takes, a return to the original format that emphasizes pure bat speed over clock‑watching, a change from the timer‑based approach used in recent editions.
Kyle Schwarber, who has already smashed 32 homers this season, tops the major leagues in long balls and brings a career total of 219 round‑trippers, trailing only Aaron Judge in the race for the all‑time lead.
Schwarber's third appearance in the derby follows a 2018 final showdown with Bryce Harper, where the latter emerged victorious, and a 2022 first‑round exit at the hands of Albert Pujols.
Bryce Harper, a nine‑time All‑Star and 2018 derby champion, announced his participation on Instagram, framing the event as a chance to join an elite group of players who have captured multiple titles.
If successful, Harper would become the fifth player in history to win the derby more than once, a feat last achieved by Ryan Howard in 2006, a milestone that still resonates with Phillies fans.