MLB Home Run Derby 2026: New Rules Revealed

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby: A New Era of Power and Excitement

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, July 13, starting at 8 p.m. ET. This event has always been a highlight of the All-Star Week, drawing fans from all over the country to witness some of the most powerful hitters in baseball showcase their skills.

The field for this year’s derby includes some of the league’s top home run hitters. Among them is Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, who is tied for the fourth most home runs in the majors. Caminero finished as the runner-up in last season’s event, losing to Cal Raleigh. Another notable participant is New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, who is making his debut in the derby.

What to Expect: The New Format of the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby

This year’s Home Run Derby will mark a significant change in format, the first since 2015. One of the most notable changes is the removal of the time clock that was introduced in 2015. Instead, players will have a fixed number of swings in each round.

In the first round, each hitter will get 20 swings. Those who advance to the semifinals will have 15 swings, and the finals will also consist of 15 swings. If a player hits a home run on their final swing of a round, they will continue swinging until they record an out.

The structure of the competition remains similar to previous years. The top four home run totals from the first round will advance to the semifinals. These players will be placed into a bracket and seeded based on their performance in the first round. They will then compete head-to-head to determine the two finalists.

Tiebreakers and Rules

In the event of a tie following the first round, home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker. For the second round and finals, a three-swing swing-off will be used to determine the winner.

One of the biggest changes this year is the removal of the time clock. Players will no longer be restricted by a time limit, and there will be no additional rounds of swings based on home run distance or other qualifications.

Who Is Participating?

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will feature eight hitters. Each of these players brings a unique story and skill set to the event. Fans can look forward to seeing how they perform under pressure and whether they can make history in this year’s derby.

When and Where to Watch

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, July 13, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Unlike previous years, the event will not be broadcast on traditional television. Instead, it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix. The play-by-play coverage will be provided by Matt Vasgersian, with analysis from Barry Bonds, CC Sabathia, Hunter Pence, and Anthony Rizzo.

This exclusive streaming arrangement marks a new chapter for the Home Run Derby, bringing it to a wider audience through one of the world’s most popular streaming platforms. It also highlights the growing influence of digital media in sports broadcasting.