Sports

Jordan Walker Mercilessly Booed At Home Run Derby In Philadelphia While Doubling His 2026 Income

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iStockphoto / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Jordan Walker banked $1 million at the Home Run Derby.


St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker is the 2026 Home Run Derby champion. The fourth-year star outpaced Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber in Philadelphia.

He did so in dramatic fashion, winning on the very last swing despite being mercilessly booed by the home crowd.

The win was rewarding in more ways than one. Not only did he earn bragging rights on All-Star weekend, but he also cashed a nice paycheck.

Jordan Walker wins big at Home Run Derby.

He entered as a sleeper, given the fourth-best odds in the eight-man field. He emerged as a surprising victor.

Walker hit 13 homers in the opening round to tie for the lead. He then beat Junior Caminero in Round 2 to set up a decisive showdown with favorite Kyle Schwarber, which produced fireworks.

Walker hit home runs in each of his last six swings. He bested Schwarber by one bomb. In doing so, he banked a $1 million payout.

That total represents more than his 2026 salary with the St. Louis Cardinals. The outfielder is set to earn just under $800,000 this season.

Walker is a former first-round MLB Draft pick out of Decatur High School in Georgia. It took him about three years to advance up through the minor league system.

The slugger made his pro debut in 2023. He’s shined since.

Walker his .276 as a rookie with 16 homers. While he experienced dips in Years 2 and 3, he’s bounced back in a big way this season.

Walker leads the majors in RBIs. He’s already set a single-season career-high with 22 home runs through 93 games. This represents his first All-Star invite.

He made the most of it despite having the crowd against him. He used that negativity as fuel.

Jordan Walker embraced the Home Run Derby hate. He’ll gladly accept his payout, too. The slugger more than doubled his 2026 income. He’s already won the weekend.