Changes coming to 2026 Home Run Derby (opens original article in a new tab)

Major League Baseball is replacing the timer-based format of the 2026 Home Run Derby with a swing-based system, featuring set numbers of swings per round and new tiebreaker rules.

• MLB is changing the 2026 Home Run Derby format to a swing-based system without a timer
• Each round will have a set number of swings: 20, 15, and 15 for rounds 1, 2, and 3 respectively
• Ties will be broken by home run distance or three-swing swing-offs