What happened: Ben Rice has officially joined the 2026 Home Run Derby field. He confirmed his participation in the annual hitting showcase through social media on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The entry adds a prominent bat to the July 13 event at Citizens Bank Park. The midsummer appearance highlights a stellar stretch for a player currently in the midst of a breakout campaign.
By the numbers: He has hit 25 home runs during the ongoing regular season. His father, Dan Rice, is scheduled to pitch to him during the contest.
What to watch: The remainder of the participant bracket will be finalized in the coming days. The derby will be broadcast live on Netflix.