Aaron Parker (@BlueJays) crushes five taters in Round 1 of the @MLBazFallLeague HR Derby to advance to the semis 💪 Tune in LIVE: atmlb.com/3Ujg0CD
Blue Jays’ prospect Aaron Parker wins AFL Home Run Derby
Photo credit: © Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2026, 11:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 8, 2026, 10:06 EST
For the first time in the history of the Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby, a Toronto Blue Jays’ prospect has won.
Early on Saturday morning, Aaron Parker was named as a late replacement for Saturday evening’s Home Run Derby. Less than 12 hours later, he won it all despite being ranked as the seventh-seed in the eight man competition.
First up was the preliminary round, where he mashed seven home runs, third-most in the round. That set up a showdown with Alex McCoy, who hit six in his preliminary round. It wasn’t much of a competition, as Parker, who went first, hit five additional home runs to bring his total to 12. McCoy only hit one.
That set up a semifinal showdown with Kansas City Royals’ prospect Brooks Bryan. With the home run totals reset, Bryan hit four home runs. Parker initially struggled, hitting just one home run before he took his timeout with six outs (balls in play that aren’t home runs) remaining. He didn’t hit his second home run until he was down to four outs, then he dropped down to two outs.
But from there, Parker locked in. The catcher/left fielder hit back-to-back-to-back home runs to earn a trip to the final against Tai Peete. Just look how cool his walk-off home run was.
The Home Run Derby was insanely cool, but this home run from Aaron Parker is definitely the coolest moment. He was down to two outs, then hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the semifinals.
Peete struggled in the final, only hitting one home run. It didn’t take long for Parker to force a swing-off (if needed, it wasn’t), hitting a home run on the first throw. After just falling short on the second pitch, Parker completed the Cinderella Story on the third throw, winning the fifth-ever Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby.
Toronto Blue Jays' prospect Aaron Parker just won the 2026 AFL Home Run Derby. Wasn't even scheduled to be in the derby this morning. Under six foot brigade standup.
Parker hit 19 home runs in total, falling well shy of the record of 26 set back in 2024. Though, he didn’t need it as he only needed to hit two home runs in the final. He also turned out to be a great interview, as seen in this clip before the final.
He's 5'7" and hits bombs. What's not to like?
The 23-year-old is the third Blue Jay (or former Blue Jay) to participate in the AFL Home Run Derby. Former Blue Jay prospect Damiano Palmegiani came close to winning it in 2023, but fell to Minnesota Twins prospect Kala’i Rosario in the finals. The following season, Peyton Williams was the team’s representative, hitting just eight home runs before falling in the first round.
He is one of three Blue Jays’ prospects set to represent the American League All-Stars at the Fall-Stars game on Sunday. Parker is joined by outfielder Jake Cook and pitcher Jake Bloss.
Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, DFOEdmonton, and DFOCalgary. She can be followed on Twitter @CynthiaRDelaney.
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