Bryce Harper Pondering About HR Derby Decision After 9th All-Star Game Selection

Bryce Harper won the Home Run Derby in 2018 as he defeated his now-teammate Kyle Schwarber in the final round.

Bryce Harper Pondering About HR Derby Decision After 9th All-Star Game Selection

Bryce Harper (Image via Imago)

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper earned a 9th All-Star Game selection this weekend. Now, the 2-time MVP is pondering whether he should take part in the upcoming Home Run Derby as well.

This year, the All-Star Game will take place at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. Before this annual game between stars of the two leagues, the Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 13.

The MLB recently announced some big changes for this contest. The league eliminated the use of “outs” and the round timer. Instead, a player will have a fixed number of swings in each round.

Harper, who won this event in 2018 by defeating now-teammate Kyle Schwarber, is considering taking part in this competition once again. The problem for him is that he needs a pitcher.

In 2018, he had his father, Ron, pitch for him. Given his father’s age, the player is not picking him. So he needs someone who can throw pitches that he can hit out of the park.

It’s a big thing. You can’t just pick somebody random. Also with it being the swings and not the timing on the clock — if I don’t get any pitches I can hit, swing-wise I’m in trouble. And I’m not going to do something if I’m going to have a half-mentality toward it because I’m worried about the pitcher.

Bryce Harper said as per NBC Sports Philadelphia

Unlike others, Harper wants to go out there and win. Last year, Jazz Chisholm Jr. found himself getting trolled after he hit just 3 home runs in the first round. The New York Yankees infielder later stated that he was out there in Atlanta to have some fun.

As of writing, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays is the only confirmed participant in this event. Last year, he finished as the runner-up, behind Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who beat him 18-15 in the final round.

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Bryce Harper expresses gratitude for All-Star selection

Bryce Harper will be an MLB All-Star once again. The 33-year-old earned the nod through the “Legend Pick” by Commissioner Rob Manfred, leading to some saying that he might be trying to smooth things between them.

Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper (Image via Imago)

Last year, there were some tensions between Harper and Manfred. During his annual visit, the MLB Commissioner was reported to have spoken about the economy of the game.

Harper seemingly lost his cool and cursed the top boss. He was reported to have dropped an expletive and told him (Manfred) to leave the clubhouse.

Manfred later reached out to Harper on the phone the next day. However, the Phillies star refused to pick the call and speak with him.

It now seems the beef between them has come down. While speaking with the reporters this weekend, Harper expressed that he was grateful for the decision of the Commissioner.

The Commissioner called me and told me I was going to be his pick. He told me I had a great first half. Obviously, with the fan vote, it didn’t happen, but he gave me the opportunity and I’m definitely grateful for that. I think I deserve to be in the game for the way I’ve played.

Bryce Harper said

Harper has been in fine form this year. In 90 games, he has 20 home runs and 57 RBIs while batting with a .270 average. A few days back, he recorded a historic cycle against the New York Mets.

This also comes after the team’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, claimed he did not have an “elite” season in 2025. When asked about whether he considered himself an elite player, he simply claimed he did not care about that.

Harper and his team are currently 3 games behind the Atlanta Braves with a 50-40 record. Following a rubber game against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, they will take on the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers before heading into the All-Star break.

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