Overview
- Harper announced on Instagram Thursday that he will compete in the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 13.
- MLB confirmed a new swing-based format that gives hitters set swings each round — 20 in Round 1 and 15 in Rounds 2 and the final — with bonus continuation only if the final allotted swing is a homer.
- Six competitors are now confirmed (Harper, Jordan Walker, Willson Contreras, Ben Rice, Junior Caminero and Jac Caglianone) and two spots remain open, with Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber reported as a likely candidate.
- Harper was named to the National League roster as a commissioner 'Legend Pick' and will make his third Derby appearance after winning the event in 2018.
- Regional reports say the Derby will stream on Netflix instead of airing on ESPN, a notable distribution change that outlets describe as reported but not universally confirmed.