The Home Run Derby should have more home runs, according to Bryce Harper.
ESPN’s Buster Olney first reported that the Phillies slugger wanted aluminum bats for the home run derby during All-Star weekend. Harper said he specifically wanted the bats when the gold balls come out.
However, the two-time MVP later confirmed with reporters on Friday some bad news — MLB vetoed the idea.
In past editions of the Home Run Derby, gold balls were used at various points, such as when the hitter was down to their last out, typically resulting in a charitable donation if a home run was hit.
Aluminum bats would give a huge leap to derby competitors.
In a study, the Society for American Baseball Research found aluminum bats allowed exit speeds of plus-16.37 mph when compared to a wood bat.
This year’s derby will have a new format, with each hitter getting 20 swings in the first round rather than using a timed round, which MLB had used since 2015.
The top four will advance to the semifinals, where each hitter has 15 swings to hit as many home runs as possible.
The finals will also feature just 15 swings.
Harper is one of eight contestants in this year’s edition of the derby. He will be joined by Kyle Schwarber, Ben Rice, Junior Caminero, Jac Caglianone, Willson Contreras and Jordan Walker.
The eighth player is yet to be announced.
So far in 2026, Harper has 20 home runs and an .870 OPS.
