The 2026 MLB All-Star Weekend has arrived in the City of Brotherly Love, and the host team, the Philadelphia Phillies, is at the center of attention for all the major events. With Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber set to take part in the Home Run Derby and Cristopher Sánchez making the start for the National League on Tuesday, time will tell if anyone will be able to steal the spotlight.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk with Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb of The Athletic about the headlines surrounding the host team, including Zack Wheeler, who turned down the opportunity to be named an All-Star replacement after feeling disrespected. They also discuss why it took so long for the All-Star Game to return to Philadelphia and what would happen if Bryce Harper were to face off against Kyle Schwarber in the Derby.
Later in the show, Jake and Jordan look at all the other news surrounding the 96th edition of the Midsummer Classic, including the latest roster additions and the disappointment of Shohei Ohtani not participating in the game. They also preview the Home Run Derby, recap the Futures Game and break down all the surprising news from the MLB Draft.
1:27 – The Opener: Phillies in the All-Star Game
12:17 – Harper & Schwarber in the Home Run Derby