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Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) were also absent. Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals emerged as the top home run hitter in the battle of stars in 2026.
On the 14th (Korean time), Walker hit 12 home runs in the final round of the 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, edging out Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies, 11 home runs) by one to claim victory.
Making his debut in the major leagues in 2023 and participating in the Home Run Derby for the first time, Walker became the first St. Louis player to win the All-Star home run title. He also secured a prize of $1 million (approximately 1.495 billion won).
This year's Home Run Derby eliminated the timed format; instead, the winner was decided by who hit more home runs within a set number of swings. In the first round, batters had 20 attempts, while both the semifinals and finals allowed 15 swings each.
However, in the final swing, batters were given unlimited chances until they failed to hit a home run, creating anticipation for dramatic comebacks.
Power hitters representing the major leagues participated. The eight contestants included Walker, who had hit 22 home runs in 93 games this season; Schwarber, leading the majors with 32 home runs; Ben Rice (Yankees, 29 home runs); Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays, 28 home runs); Wilson Contreras (Boston Red Sox); Bryce Harper (Philadelphia); Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox, both 20 home runs); and Jack Caglelanon (Kansas City Royals, 15 home runs).
The four players who hit the most home runs in the first round advanced to the semifinals in a tournament format. Walker tied for the most home runs with Wilson Contreras, hitting 13 each in the first round. Caminero hit 12 and Schwarber hit 10 to advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, while Caminero hit five home runs, Walker quickly tied the score with eight swings remaining and then immediately hit a home run to easily advance to the finals.
Schwarber, who batted earlier, hit 11 home runs and put pressure on Walker. It seemed difficult to surpass Schwarber, the league's home run leader. With only one swing remaining, Walker had hit eight home runs.
Every time Walker hit a home run, boos erupted from the stands. This was because the All-Star Game venue was Citizens Bank Park, Schwarber's home stadium. A total of 43,863 fans uniformly cheered for Schwarber while booing Walker.
However, Walker remained calm. He carefully selected pitches he liked and added home runs one by one. He repeatedly launched massive home runs exceeding 130 meters in distance. After hitting three consecutive home runs to tie the game, Walker secured victory with a 137-meter home run to left-center field that traced an incredible trajectory.
According to MLB's official website, MLB.com, Walker, who won the title, commented on the relentless booing: "I've been told not to boo anyone. I felt the Philadelphia fans were truly cruel." Yet he added, "Honestly, I think it's special how much they love the players. That's exactly what home fans want. I can't hate them because Schwarber is their hero." He also expressed, "I feel really good."
Continuing, he said, "I don't know how to express the joy of winning," and with a hoarse voice, smiled while adding, "I took many swings and faced immense pressure, but above all, it was fun. Every round was great."
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