Walker homers on last six swings to win Home Run Derby
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia after hitting six consecutive home runs in the final round. He defeated hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber to secure the title and a $1 million prize.
Why it matters
The event highlights the evolving nature of professional sports entertainment and the financial incentives for star athletes in modern baseball.
PHILADELPHIA -- The sold-out crowd got on its feet, expecting hometown hero Kyle Schwarber to win his first Home Run Derby on his third try.
But St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker staged a dramatic finish, hitting six consecutive home runs in the final to stun the Phillies faithful. He became the first player in Cardinals franchise history to take the Derby crown.
"I can't even describe how it means to win it," Walker said. "It was a lot of swings, a lot of pressure, but I think I just had fun no matter what. Every round I was having a good time."
Walker hit 12 home runs in the final to Schwarber's 11 and won it with a 407-foot blast to left. He earned a $1 million prize for winning the Derby, which is more than his 2026 salary of $799,400.
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