Bryce Harper reveals one issue with participating in Home Run Derby for Phillies

Bryce Harper reveals one issue with participating in Home Run Derby for Phillies originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Philadelphia Phillies‘ home ballpark, Citizens Bank Park, is hosting the 2026 MLB All-Star Game festivities. Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, Cristopher Sanchez, Jhoan Duran, Zack Wheeler, and Bryce Harper are their most-likely participants.

While Harper is looking likely to make the All-Star team with his elite production this season, the Home Run Derby at CBP is a different story. It would be very fun to see him suit up for the derby in Philadelphia.

But, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki shared an update from Harper on participating in the derby that revealed the one issue Harper will have with participating in the Home Run Derby this season, and it’s not a problem he has control over.

Bryce Harper reveals one issue with Home Run Derby participation

“I don’t really have anybody to throw to me as well,” Harper said. “My dad hasn’t thrown in a long time, so I don’t really want to do it without him. It’s more for me and him, but we’ll see.”

Since Harper’s father threw to him during the 2018 MLB Home Run Derby, when Harper beat now Phillies teammate Kyle Schwarber, it would make sense for Harper to want his father to throw to him once again.

But, as he explained, his father might not be ready for the Derby, as he’s not thrown in “a long time.” Harper could still participate, but it might not be with his father throwing to him.

However, Harper knows how much the fans would love to see him participate in the Home Run Derby, especially since it’s in Philadelphia.

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“Obviously, I know the fans want me to do it, so I’ll take that into account, but we’ll see how much pump, I guess, I have behind me going out there and doing it,” Harper said.

While it doesn’t look great that Harper will participate in the derby this season, it’s not out of the question if Harper feels the energy to participate.

As Harper said, “I’m still not sure” about participating in the derby. It would be very exciting for fans, especially if Schwarber joined him in participating in the derby.

But, for now, there’s a bit of uncertainty for Harper to participate in the Home Run Derby during the 2026 All-Star Game festivities at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The odds are 50/50 right now, as any outcome would not be a surprise for Harper this year.

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