The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will feature Kansas City Royals rookie Jac Caglianone and St. Louis Cardinals veteran Willson Contreras. Caglianone, making his debut, brings raw power. Contreras swings a custom bat nicknamed “Bowser.”
Caglianone’s selection was confirmed by MLB.com. The 23-year-old first baseman leads all rookies in exit velocity (94.1 mph) and barrel rate (18.7%). His average launch angle is 26 degrees. Statcast data ranks him in the 95th percentile for hard-hit percentage.
He joins a short list of rookie Derby participants. Pete Alonso won in 2019. Aaron Judge participated in 2017. Caglianone’s swing mechanics—a high leg kick and quick hip rotation—are tailored for the Derby’s fast-pitch format, where pitchers deliver 40 mph lobs.
“He steps in with confidence and a cannon for an arm,” MLB.com noted in its coverage.
Contreras, 34, is swinging a custom bat from Victus. The “Bowser” nickname comes from the Super Mario villain, reflecting his aggressive style. The bat weighs 33.5 ounces, has a 2.75-inch barrel, and is made from hard maple. Yahoo Sports reported that Contreras requested the design after a team equipment manager compared his swing to “a dragon breathing fire.”
Teammates and fans have embraced the bat. Social media posts with #BowserBat have generated over 2.3 million impressions on X since June 1.
How to watch: The Derby airs July 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and MLB Network. Streaming options include ESPN+, MLB.TV, and YouTube TV. In Kansas City, the Royals are hosting a watch party at Kauffman Stadium, with tickets starting at $15, per the Kansas City Star.
Viewers can follow real-time stats via MLB’s Statcast feed on Baseball Savant.
| Player | Age | 2026 HRs | Avg Exit Velo | Barrel % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jac Caglianone | 23 | 28 | 94.1 mph | 18.7% |
| Willson Contreras | 34 | 19 | 92.3 mph | 14.2% |
Caglianone’s youth and Contreras’s experience represent two poles of power hitting. The Derby has evolved from a showcase of brute strength to a stage for multi-dimensional athletes with elite bat speed. Custom equipment—like the “Bowser” bat—and social media campaigns are driving fan engagement. Ticket sales for the Derby are up 12% year-over-year, according to MLB. Viewership on ESPN rose 8% in 2025, per Nielsen.
Predictions: Caglianone is the betting favorite at +400, per DraftKings. Contreras sits at +1200.
Jac Caglianone and Willson Contreras are not just participants. They are symbols of a new era—blending raw talent, personality, and fan-first innovation. Tune in to see if the rookie lives up to the hype. Share predictions using #HRDerby2026 and #BowserBat.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Jac Caglianone and why is he notable for the 2026 Home Run Derby?
- A: Jac Caglianone is a 23-year-old rookie first baseman for the Kansas City Royals. He is notable for making his Derby debut with elite raw power, leading all rookies in exit velocity (94.1 mph) and barrel rate (18.7%), and ranking in the 95th percentile for hard-hit percentage.
- Q: What is the ‘Bowser’ bat used by Willson Contreras?
- A: The ‘Bowser’ bat is a custom 33.5-ounce hard maple bat made by Victus, named after the Super Mario villain. It features a 2.75-inch barrel and reflects Contreras’s aggressive, fire-breathing swing style, as requested after a teammate compared his swing to a dragon.
- Q: When and where can I watch the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
- A: The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby airs on July 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and MLB Network. Streaming options include ESPN+, MLB.TV, and YouTube TV.
Extended Reading
Source: MLB.com | Yahoo Sports | Kansas City Star