2026 MLB Home Run Derby Pitchers Exposed

Derby Pitchers Revealed

The 2026 Home Run Derby lineup features eight unique pitching choices, ranging from seasoned coaches to family members. Each participant selected a thrower who understands their swing, whether it’s a longtime staff member or a parent eager for a chance to shine. The mix highlights how critical a reliable pitcher has become in today’s derby format, where hitters can ignore bad pitches at will. Below is a full breakdown of who’s catching the ball for each slugger.

Jac Caglianone teams up with Jeff Caglianone, his father, a high‑school coach at H.B. Plant who has also thrown batting practice for former Plant alum Pete Alonso. The younger Caglianone called the opportunity a “bucket list” item, saying his dad’s involvement was a major reason he entered the contest. Jeff Caglianone often travels long distances to work with players during the offseason.

Junior Caminero partners with Tomas Francisco, the Rays’ field coordinator who is making his third appearance in four years. Francisco also threw to Randy Arozarena in 2023 and was Caminero’s pitcher last season. Caminero finished second last year and hopes Francisco’s steady arm can help him capture the title this time. When not in the derby, Francisco works with Kevin Cash’s catching staff.

Willson Contreras selects Jose David Flores, a former Red Sox first‑base coach who now serves as the interim bench coach after recent staff changes. Flores has known Contreras since his Cubs minor‑league days and describes their partnership as “throwing cookies” to keep the hitter in rhythm. Contreras, in his first season with Boston, relies on Flores’s consistency to fine‑tune his approach.

Bryce Harper chose Dino Ebel, the Dodgers’ third‑base coach, after his father had not thrown batting practice in several years. Ebel previously helped Teoscar Hernandez win the derby in 2024 and brings experience from the Team USA staff at the World Baseball Classic. Despite never coaching Harper at the major‑league level, Ebel’s long tenure on Dave Roberts’ staff makes him a familiar face for many players.

Munetaka Murakami will face pitches from Luis Sierra, the White Sox’s regular pregame instructor. Sierra recently pitched for the White Sox Alumni Home Run Derby on Saturday, giving Murakami confidence in his mechanics. As a rookie first baseman, Murakami values the continuity of having the same thrower in practice and in the main event.

Ben Rice follows his father’s lead, pairing with Dan Rice, a former Brown University pitcher from the 1980s. Dan drove over an hour from Cohasset each offseason to work with Ben in the cage, a dedication Ben praised as “always going the extra mile.” The father‑son duo’s chemistry has been a key part of Ben’s development from the minors to the majors.

Kyle Schwarber keeps things simple, sticking with Rafael Pena, the Phillies’ assistant hitting coach who serves as the regular batting practice pitcher. Schwarber has been hitting off Pena for the past two years and says the routine makes the most sense for his preparation. Pena’s role underscores how trusted staff members often become the go‑to choices for their stars.

Jordan Walker tapped Kleininger Teran, the Cardinals’ bullpen catcher, for his derby pitching duties. Teran’s throws are described as “middle‑in” with excellent accuracy, and the two have been practicing together. Teran, who spent six seasons in the Cardinals’ minors system, also threw to Albert Pujols in the 2022 derby, adding another pedigree to his résumé.