Home Run Derby Format Changes Announced Ahead of 2026 MLB All-Star Break

Changes are coming to the Home Run Derby ahead of next month's MLB All-Star Break in Philadelphia.

The league announced the new rule changes on Thursday:

The Athletic's Evan Drellich and Johnny Flores Jr. first reported the format changes, including the elimination of a clock.

Instead of being on a timer or a fixed number of pitches, players will be given a certain number of "outs," which are swings that do not result in a home run. Batters will be given 20 swings in the first round and 15 in the final two rounds.

If a batter hits a home run on the 20th pitch, he can continue swinging until he doesn't hit a home run.

A first-round tie would be decided by a home run distance, while second and third-round ties would be decided with three additional swings for each batter.

The Home Run Derby will still feature eight batters, with that number being pared down to four in the second round and two in the final round. The top four from the first round will move on to the second round.

The second round will feature a head-to-head format, with the top home-run hitter in the first round facing the batter with the fewest first-round homers.

Netflix, which became an MLB broadcaster this season, will air the Home Run Derby after it had been aired on ESPN for nearly three decades. According to Drellich and Flores, Netflix used feedback from the league and players to come up with the new format.

The new-look Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 13, followed by the All-Star Game on July 14.