Ben Rice's Derby Experience: a Memorable yet Challenging Night

WHO:

MLB.com - Ben Rice, Dan Rice (father), Jordan Walker (winner), Cam Schlittler (Yankees right-hander), Cody Bellinger (teammate), Jac Caglianone, Jeff Caglianone (father), Bobby Witt Jr. (teammate), Michael Wacha (teammate), Hunter Dietz (Yankees draft pick), Luke Pettitte (Yankees draft pick).

WHAT:

MLB.com - Ben Rice participated in the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, hitting seven home runs in the first round, with four traveling over 420 feet and the longest at 443 feet.

MLB.com - Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby.

MLB.com - Jac Caglianone hit eight home runs in the first round, including a Statcast-projected 477-foot home run.

MLB.com - Caglianone's 477-foot home run was the second longest by a lefty that night, behind a 482-footer from Bryce Harper.

MLB.com - Caglianone finished tied for sixth among eight contenders in the Derby.

MLB.com - Hunter Dietz was rated as MLB Pipeline’s No. 17 overall prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft.

MLB.com - Dietz finished the 2026 season with a 3.57 ERA, 131 strikeouts, and 31 walks over 85 2/3 innings.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby took place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

MLB.com - Hunter Dietz will report to the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa, Florida.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby occurred in July 2026.

MLB.com - Hunter Dietz was drafted in the 2026 MLB Draft.

MLB.com - Dietz underwent elbow surgery in the fall of 2023.

WHY:

MLB.com - Ben Rice described his Home Run Derby experience as “already a success” because he participated with his father.

MLB.com - Caglianone expressed excitement about participating in the Derby with his father, stating, “It’s fun. Being able to do it with my dad, I’m super excited about that.”

HOW:

MLB.com - Ben Rice's father, Dan, pitched to him during the Derby.

MLB.com - Caglianone's father, Jeff, also pitched to him during the Derby.

In an exciting showcase at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Jordan Walker emerged victorious in the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, while Ben Rice hit seven home runs in the first round, four of which soared over 420 feet. Jac Caglianone also impressed with eight home runs, including a remarkable 477-footer, which was the second longest by a lefty that night, just behind Bryce Harper's 482-foot blast. Meanwhile, Hunter Dietz, rated as MLB Pipeline’s No. 17 overall prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft, will soon report to the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa, Florida, following a solid season with a 3.57 ERA and 131 strikeouts.