MLB Home Run Derby 2015: TV Schedule, Bracket and New Format Breakdown

A Home Run Derby like no other is about to hit the MLB's All-Star weekend in Cincinnati, as Monday's 2015 edition of the esteemed long-ball event will feature a format unlike any in years past.

Tuning in to every Derby over the last decade or more can inevitably leave viewers hungry for a change of pace. The 10-outs-per-batter rule for every round had worn out its welcome, and changes needed to be made to freshen up the event.

That's just what the MLB did, announcing a big format change that ditches the 10-out rule for a running five-minute clock. Batters will compete in three head-to-head rounds, with five minutes to hit more home runs than their opponent for the round.

The ultra-powerful participants can also benefit from bonus time, with 30 extra seconds added for a 475-foot homer and an extra minute of time for two bombs that surpass 420 feet. Along with time management, power will be among the biggest factors, as batters can add valuable time to their rounds just by pounding deep balls.

With that in mind, let's take a look at how to catch the action and which participants will be featured.

2015 MLB Home Run Derby

Date: Monday, July 13

Time (ET): 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Bracket

MLB Communications provided the full bracket graphic below:

Paul Beaty/Associated Press

The Home Run Derby has long been dominated by the established power sluggers of the sport, although up-and-comers tend to break into the field each year. Despite that, no player under the age of 23 has ever won the Derby.

That could change Monday night, if three budding stars have anything to say about it.

Dodgers youngster Joc Pederson, along with Cubs rookie Kris Bryant and Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles, make up the trio of players who can become the youngest Derby winner ever on Monday night. 

Not known as a power hitter in the early stretches of his career, Machado has turned his power up a few notches in a huge start to the 2015 season. His 19 home runs at this point are already six more than his career high for a season, and along with Pederson he's jacked some deep homers, as ESPN Stats & Info noted:

Cubs 25-year-old Anthony Rizzo also joins the up-and-coming group of sluggers hoping to burst onto the scene in Cincinnati, but it's no secret that the buck will stop with the veterans.

That's because a star-studded group of established Derby performers have stepped in to compete. With Angels slugger Albert Pujols in the mix, there's an all-time home run legend to watch. Prince Fielder also offers Derby experience, having become the only player to win the Derby for both the National League and American League.

When it comes to getting that extra distance in order to secure some extra time on the five-minute clock, however, some of the youngsters have the edge, as Daren Willman of MLBfarm.com noted:

There's obviously plenty of top-notch power in the field to marvel at, but how exactly will the ballpark hold up to the onslaught of deep balls? According to ESPN, the Great American Ball Park has the second-highest likelihood of home runs of any major league stadium.

However, Mother Nature might not follow suit.

Weather.com reported that downtown Cincinnati will see thunderstorms throughout Monday, with precipitation percentages of higher than 50 percent at 8 p.m. ET, when it's set to kick off. 

Rain or shine, one can expect there will be a packed house in Cincy to watch Reds third baseman Todd Frazier and the seven other contestants put their skills on display.