If the Home Run Derby is one of the longest-running traditions of the MLB All-Star break, then altering the Home Run Derby is just as big a tradition.
The Derby has gone through many facelifts. It has been “saved” a number of times. There’s been brackets. There’s been swing-offs. There’s been timers. Heck, remember in 2005 when MLB decided it would beta test the upcoming World Baseball Classic by choosing sluggers from eight different countries to participate? I do. If only because Jason Bay represented Canada and proceeded to hit zero home runs.
My point is this: The Home Run Derby changes a lot. You have to keep on top of it.
2026 is no different. Let’s dive into what’s new for tonight’s festivities.
What are the rules for the Home Derby in 2026?
The most notable change in format for the 2026 Home Run Derby is that rounds will no longer be timed, as they had since 2015. However, the Derby isn’t going back to the “outs” system it had in the previous generation, either. Instead, participants will be given a set number of swings in each round. All swings will count against a player’s allotment, whether said swing results in a homer or not. That is until the final “swing” of a round, where a participant can keep going until they do not hit a home run.
Here is a breakdown of how many swings each participant will get:
- Round 1: 20 Swings
- Round 2: 15 Swings
- Final Round: 15 Swings
As was the case the past two years, there will be no bracket until the second round of the Derby. The top four home run totals from the first round will advance, with any ties decided by home run distance rather than a swing-off. Still, the swing-off isn’t dead. That will be the tie-breaker used in the head-to-head matchups in the second round and the final round.
Finally, there are no more bonus rounds rewarded bases on home run distance. All home runs will be accumulated within the set number of swings in each round.
2026 Home Run Derby FAQ
What is the new format for the 2026 Home Run Derby?
Instead of time-based rounds, players will now be capped with a set number of swings. They’ll get 20 in the first round and then 15 in the second round and the final round.
Who is participating in the 2026 Home Run Derby?
Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper headline the festivities in Philadelphia, and they’ll be joined by Junior Caminero of the Rays, Jac Caglianone of the Royals, Willson Contreras of the Red Sox, Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox, Jordan Walker of the Cardinals and Ben Rice of the Yankees.
Who is the favorite to win the 2026 Home Run Derby?
Kyle Schwarber is a +300 favorite to win the Home Run Derby on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
