Home Run Derby is Getting a Refresh

It looks like the Home Run Derby, a highlight of MLB’s All-Star Week, is about to see some changes. Instead of racing against the clock, players will now take a fixed number of swings, as reported recently.

In the new setup, contestants will have 20 swings in the first round, which then drops to 15 swings for both the second and third rounds.

Here’s a fun twist: if a batter manages to hit a home run on their last swing of a round, they can keep going until they record an out. So, for instance, if someone hits a home run on their 20th swing, they’ll keep swinging until they miss.

The top four hitters from the first round, out of a pool of eight, will move on to the second round. In this round, the better performers will face off against the player with the fewest home runs from the first round. The second and third seeds will also compete for the championship title.

One of the driving forces behind this change seems to be the desire to enhance the viewing experience for fans. The upcoming Derby will be streamed on Netflix for the first time, and feedback was gathered from players and MLB to refine the competition.

Previously, the timer-based structure had players feeling exhausted as they raced against the clock for swings. Now, this new format might add a layer of excitement and anticipation.

Since its inception in 1985, the Home Run Derby has undergone a series of rule adaptations. Initially, it utilized an out-based system until 2014, and then in 2015, it was revamped with a timed approach that gained popularity.

Fans can catch the new format in action during the 2026 Home Run Derby, set for July 13th at 8 PM ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

As for the participants, none have been revealed yet. However, Yankees slugger Ben Rice expressed his enthusiasm this week, saying he’d “love to be on” the home run showcase.