Jul 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber (12) warms up before a game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. (Credit: Grace Del Pizzo-On Pattison) John Del Pizzo
Thanks in large part to his 27 home runs — the fifth most in baseball — Kyle Schwarber is an All-Star for the third time in his career. But he won't be participating in the Home Run Derby.
Following Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Reds, Schwarber gave On Pattison a short but compelling answer when asked if he plans to participate in the Home Run Derby since he'll already be in Atlanta for the All-Star Game.
"No, I'm not gonna do the Home Run Derby," Schwarber announced. "Maybe see what happens next year."
Kyle Schwarber IS an All-Star, but told @TimKellySports that he doesn’t plan to do the HR Derby.
“Maybe see what happens next year.”
Next year’s All-Star Game is in Philly. pic.twitter.com/i6UHGGHoWD
Of course, next year's All-Star Game will be at Citizens Bank Park, which Schwarber is no doubt aware of.
Whether he's still a Phillie or not at that time is unclear. Schwarber is playing out the final season of a four-year/$79 million contract. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has insisted on multiple occasions that the Phillies are hopeful to retain Schwarber beyond 2025. But he's likely to command a $100+ million contract, and if Schwarber reaches the open market, he surely would have other teams bidding against the Phillies for his services.
The question may not be whether Schwarber is playing well enough in 2026 to be invited to compete in the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, but if he's wearing a Phillies uniform when said request takes places.
