We are inching closer and closer to the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, and one of the things that we are all asking is “Who will be chasing the crown?” Of course, we all have our own wishlists of players that we hope to see play in the big game, but in reality, this could be the biggest Home Run Derby of all-time if the right faces enter the fold. This will be the first year the Derby will be streaming on Netflix and I think that could play a factor on who is playing.
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will be streaming on Netflix on July 12th live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennslyvannia. The home of the Philadelphia Phillies and some of the best fans in all of sports. Outside predicting who we may see at the Derby, we are excited to share that Geek Vibes will be on the ground covering the big event. So be on the lookout on all socials and right here on the site as we inch closer to the game.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby – Predicting the Hitters
Kyle Schwarber – Philadelphia Phillies
The obvious out of the way is that Schwarber plays for the Phillies, who are hosting the All-Star Game festivities. Moreover, Schwarber, fresh off a massive three-homer game against the New York Mets, currently leads the league with 28 homers. A few Schwarbombs out of Citizen Bank Park and the place would go CRAZY!
Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies
Another Philadelphia Phillies player that should be in the conversation is Bryce Harper. In the same game that Schwarber hit the three homers, Harper hit for the cycle, only the second time in the history of baseball has that ever happen. The big question is will there be two Phillies players? And my answer is WHY NOT? Harper and Schwarber in front of the home crowd would be awesome.
Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins & Yordan Alvarez – Houston Astros
The two guys currently tied at the top of the American League Home Run leader board, Bryon Buxton and Yordan Alvarez. Buxton partook in the Derby last year and made it to the second round before losing to Junior Caminero. So maybe Buxton doesn’t play for a second year? As for Alvarez, he has yet to play in the Derby, so it would be a welcomed addition.
Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves & Juan Soto – New York Mets
Olson like Buxton played in last years Derby, so he might not play in this years. However, nothing would make me happier than watching a Braves player partake in the Derby and hear the boos throughout. The same could be said if New York Mets $765 million man, Juan Soto decides to play. Soto has been on a tear as of late and is a great canindate.
Aaron Judge – New York Yankees – Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels – Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers
Aaron Judge would arguably be one of the biggest names that could play in this year’s Derby. Judge won the Derby back in 2017 and has not played in it since. I am not sure that he wavers from that stance, but the time has never been better to come back for another run. The biggest name to watch is Shohei Ohtani, who hasn’t played since 2021. I would love to see Ohtani light the Netflix world on fire.
Although he has recently been put on the disable list, I am holding out hope that Mike Trout, considered a hometown boy, would play in his first-ever Home Run Derby in front of hometown crowd in Philadelphia. Born 40 minutes outside of Philly, Trout grew up a Phillies and Eagles fan. So I HOPE that he gets healthy enough to play as the crowd would be electric.
Honorable Mentions: Colson Montgomery (Chicago White Sox), Ben Rice (New York Yankees), Hunter Goodman (Colorado Rockies)
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will be streaming on Netflix.
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