Phillies’ Bryce Harper admits he thought Home Run Derby was over after Kyle Schwarber’s big final round

As Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber took a defeat in the 2026 Home Run Derby, making it all the way to the finals to lose to St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jordan Wlaker, it was still a valiant effort. With Bryce Harper joining Schwarber as the Phillies in the Home Run Derby, the former was surprised by the result.

Speaking on Tuesday before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Harper would be asked by “Foul Territory” about watching Schwarber make it all the way to the finals. Harper would admit that he did not expect Schwarber to lose after an 11-home run final round out of 15 swings, though he gave major credit to Walker, who finished with 12 dingers.

“Yeah, it was great. I tell you the truth, I thought it was over. I mean, I didn’t think anybody was going to come back on that. And you know, Walk came back. It was an amazing performance by him. But yeah, just a lot of fun to be part of that. I love Schwarbs. You know, we’re such a close-knit clubhouse and just an amazing time,” Harper said.

Hometown hero Bryce Harper joins @alannarizzo LIVE from the All-Star Game Red Carpet following Kyle Schwarber's near victory in the Home Run Derby.

"I'll tell you the truth, I thought it was over. I didn't think anybody was going to come back on that." pic.twitter.com/RupHDdPih8

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 14, 2026

Phillies’ Bryce Harper on All-Star weekend 

The two Phillies stars took part in the Home Run Derby in front of Philadelphia, which was no doubt a special moment for the fans, and would have been a cherry on top if one had taken home the trophy, which Schwarber was close to doing. Harper would be eliminated in the first round, having the second-fewest home runs with eight, but still, Harper would say Tuesday that it’s been a fun All-Star break thus far.

“Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun, I mean, obviously, this is the goal, you know, before the season to try to get to the All-Star Game and be here with all these fans. And last night was great. We had a lot of fun. We enjoyed it, and looking forward to today,” Harper said.

At any rate, Harper and Schwarber will take part in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, before the Phillies return to play on Thursday against the New York Mets.

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