Fresh off one of the best nights of my life, Netflix hosted the MLB Home Run Derby for the first time, and the place was electric. Hosted in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, the Derby featured some of the game’s best long ball hitters. Of course, two of the hometown boys, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, partook in the event, with the latter making it to the finals. But the night was won by an incredible performance by an up-and-coming star.
Eight men walked onto the field at Citizens Bank Park with the hope of taking home the crown of being the 2026 Home Run Derby. You had previous winner Bryce Harper, last year’s runner-up Junior Cameniro, Yankees breakout star Ben Rice, Royals deep ball threat Jac Caglianone, White Sox sensation Munetaka Murakami, Red Sox stud Wilson Contreras, the massive Jordan Walker. Of course, the current home run king, Kyle Schwarber.
The new format worked perfectly with 20 swings in the first round and 15 swings in the last two rounds. It was one of the more smooth sporting events that I’ve been a part of. The quickness of it all allowed the guys to truly stand out in their own way and have that moment in front of a massive audience. I loved seeing all the stars around too. With the likes of Will Ferrell, Shane Gillis, and Bryan Cranston all showing up.
Who Won the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
The first round saw Ben Rice, Jac Caglianone, Munetaka Murakami, and Bryce Harper all get eliminated. Harper tried to put on a show for the Philly crowd, but ended up with eight homers, two shy of his teammate Kyle Schwarber seeing his first round exit. Schwarber hit ten homers, seeing him take on Contreras in round two with Jordan Walker taking on Caminero.
Last year’s runner-up Junior Caminero couldn’t stop the beast that was Jordan Walker as he took him down 6 homers to 5. With the Philly crowd rallying around him and booing his opponent, Schwarber defeated Contreras 9 homers to 8, setting up a massive finale between Schwarber and Walker.
The current home run leader, Kyle Schwarber, put on a show for Philly with a MONSTER 11 home runs in the final round. However, with one ball remaining down 11-8, Jordan Walker hit four consecutive homers to win the 2026 Home Run Derby in his first-ever attempt. I was rooting for Schwarber, but you can’t take away what an incredible moment this was for Walker. A huge congratulations to him on the big victory, taking home the trophy, the necklace, and the million-dollar check.
I’ve attended many sporting events in my lifetime, but the Philly fan atmosphere is something I recommend everyone check out at least once. From booing kids dropping balls in the outfield or every player who wasn’t a Phillie, it was incredible. I had a remarkable time, and a special shoutout to my friends at Netflix for the hospitality, as they definitely know how to put on an astounding event! Until next time!
The 2026 Home Run Derby is streaming on Netflix.
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