Bryce Harper Entering Home Run Derby Under 1 Condition

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper is an eight-time All-Star, but he has only participated in the Home Run Derby two times in his career.

The first time came in 2013, and the second in 2018, both when he was with the Washington Nationals.

Harper won the 2018 event, defeating Kyle Schwarber, his teammate now with the Phillies, and Harper has not participated since.

This year, Harper and Schwarber could become the first set of teammates to be in the Home Run Derby since 2016, but Harper will only participate under one condition: If he is on the National League All-Star team.

"I won't do [the Derby] if I'm not an All-Star. I just want to be an All-Star, first and foremost. And I want to be healthy. I'm going to take health into consideration, big time, because I feel great right now, and I don't want to screw that up. So we'll see," Harper said, via Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

This year's event is at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, so Harper and Schwarber participating would be an extra boost for the home crowd.

Harper Wants to See How he Feels

The All-Star Game is still six weeks away, and Harper insists on waiting to see how his body feels before making a commitment.

"I've got to see how my body feels," Harper said. "It would be a blast to be able to play in an All-Star Game here. That would be a dream to be able to play in that game. We're still a little bit of a ways away from that, so still got to keep going, keep playing hard, keep playing well, and get there."

Right now, it figures that both Harper and Schwarber are locks to make the team. Harper came into Memorial Day hitting .274 with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs, and Schwarber hit his MLB-leading 21st home run on Monday against the San Diego Padres.

Harper has only made the All-Star team twice since coming to Philadelphia, but so far, he looks to be a player on the roster this time, as long as he continues to play well.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 8:43 PM.