2026 MLB Home Run Derby Format and How to Watch

Why the Derby Changed This Year

The 2026 contest is the most dramatic overhaul in a decade, swapping a timed format for pure power swings. Hitters will now chase home runs without a clock, focusing on raw output rather than seconds. The event moves to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, hosting eight of baseball’s strongest sluggers.

Round structure has been stripped down: 20 swings in Round 1, 15 in the semifinals, and 15 in the final. If a player belts a home run on his final swing of any round, he continues until he fails to connect. Brackets and bonus rounds have been eliminated, making the path to the championship a nonstop battle of endurance.

Key Contestants and Their Teams

The field includes several standout names from recent seasons. Bryce Harper returns as the defending champion and represents the host Phillies. Junior Caminero, the 2025 runner‑up, brings power for the Rays. Ben Rice (Yankees), Jac Caglianone (Royals), Willson Contreras (Red Sox) and Jordan Walker (Cardinals) round out the initial lineup.

• Bryce Harper – Phillies
• Junior Caminero – Rays
• Ben Rice – Yankees
• Jac Caglianone – Royals
• Willson Contreras – Red Sox
• Jordan Walker – Cardinals

Exact Broadcast Details

The derby kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13, from Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. A pre‑show begins at 7 p.m. ET, giving fans early excitement before the action. For the first time, the event will not appear on traditional cable; Netflix will stream it live worldwide.

Canadian viewers can catch the derby on Sportsnet, ensuring the full power of the swings reaches the northern half of the continent.

Full All‑Star Week Schedule

What to Expect From the Swings

Ties in the opening round are broken by the longest home‑run distance, keeping the competition tight. Semifinals and finals fallback to a three‑swing swing‑off if players finish with identical homer counts. This new system rewards both raw power and consistency over multiple attempts.

Fans can anticipate a nonstop showcase of baseball’s hardest‑hitting talent, all streamed directly to Netflix. The absence of a clock means each round could stretch longer than past editions, offering more dramatic moments and extra chances for heroes to emerge.