The buzz around the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby in Philadelphia gained momentum after Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly seemed to indicate that slugger Kyle Schwarber would take part in the July 13 event at Citizens Bank Park.
Mattingly’s remark sparks inside-baseball chatter
Following Philadelphia’s 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on July 9, Mattingly was asked about Bryce Harper’s participation in the Derby and — in a line that set off social feeds and reporters — appeared to include Schwarber among those headed to the contest. His initial response read as an endorsement, particularly for a Derby staged in front of a home crowd:
"I'm glad he's doing it, especially in Philly. Him and Kyle both, right?"But Mattingly quickly pulled back when pressed further, saying he was not certain of Schwarber’s plans:
"Not sure on Kyle yet? OK, I thought Kyle was going to do it,"and later adding,
"Maybe he's waiting to make sure everything's good."
Where things stand with Schwarber
Schwarber has not made a formal announcement about joining the Derby. The designated hitter and slugger has publicly signaled interest in competing if his health permits — he’s dealing with a sore lower back that sidelined him for two games in June — and recent reporting indicated that if he secures one of the remaining Derby berths, a Phillies coach or staffer would be the pitch target for his swings.
Context for the Derby field
Should Schwarber enter, it would mark his first Home Run Derby appearance since 2022 and would add another household name to a field that already lists a number of young sluggers and established stars. The confirmed entrants mentioned in coverage include:
- Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays, 3B)
- Ben Rice (New York Yankees, 1B)
- Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals, 1B)
- Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox, 1B)
- Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals, RF)
| Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Schwarber | Philadelphia Phillies | Designated hitter / OF |
| Bryce Harper | Philadelphia Phillies | Outfielder |
| Junior Caminero | Tampa Bay Rays | 3B |
| Ben Rice | New York Yankees | 1B |
| Jac Caglianone | Kansas City Royals | 1B |
| Willson Contreras | Boston Red Sox | 1B |
| Jordan Walker | St. Louis Cardinals | RF |
Implications for Schwarber and the Phillies
For Schwarber, weighing a Derby run means balancing spectacle against recovery. He has expressed interest in competing "if his back is feeling OK," and the team has been cautious: entering the Derby would require managing workload and medical risk ahead of the remainder of the season. For the Phillies and their fans, a hometown slugger in the Derby would inject extra energy into All-Star Week and potentially boost viewership and ticket excitement.
Mattingly’s quick backtracking — first implying Schwarber’s participation, then clarifying uncertainty — left the story swinging in midair. If Schwarber ultimately declines, the Derby field still boasts a mix of rising names and veterans. If he accepts, Phillies fans will get the rarified treat of seeing one of their own stand in the batter’s box under the bright lights of a summer’s loudest long-ball showcase.
