MLB Home Run Derby Switches to Netflix Exclusively, Eliminates Clock in Major Format Overhaul

The 2026 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby is set to undergo its most significant transformation in a decade, introducing a new swing-based format that completely eliminates the traditional clock and moving to an exclusive streaming home on Netflix. The event will take place at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

New Format: Swings Over Seconds

This year’s derby will depart from its timed structure. Instead, hitters will be allocated a specific number of swings per round. In the opening round, participants will receive 20 swings. The subsequent rounds, including the semifinals and finals, will feature 15 swings per batter. A unique rule allows a player to continue swinging if their final swing results in a home run, offering a potential for extended at-bats. There will be no brackets in the initial round and no bonus round.

Exclusive Streaming on Netflix

In a groundbreaking broadcasting shift, the Home Run Derby will not be available on traditional cable television. The entire event will be streamed live exclusively on Netflix. This partnership marks a new era for the iconic MLB event, aiming to reach a broader audience through the popular streaming platform. Fans in Canada will be able to watch the event on Sportsnet.

A Blockbuster Field Expected

The 2026 field is shaping up to include a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. Among the announced participants are 2018 winner Bryce Harper, who will be playing at his home ballpark with the Phillies, and 2025 runner-up Junior Caminero of the Rays. Other confirmed sluggers include Ben Rice of the Yankees, Jac Caglianone of the Royals, Willson Contreras of the Red Sox, and Jordan Walker of the Cardinals. The remaining participants will be announced closer to the event.

All-Star Week Schedule

The Home Run Derby is a key event within MLB’s All-Star Week. The schedule for the week includes:

Monday, July 13: T-Mobile Home Run Derby, 8 p.m. ET, streaming on Netflix. Pre-show coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, July 14: All-Star Red Carpet Show, 2 p.m. ET, available on MLB Network, MLB.com, and fubo.
Tuesday, July 14: MLB All-Star Game, 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on FOX, DIRECTV, and fubo.

Derby Progression and Tiebreakers

The Home Run Derby will begin with eight sluggers competing in a single pool during the first round. Each hitter gets 20 swings to hit as many home runs as possible. The four players with the most home runs will advance to the semifinals. Ties in the first round will be decided by the longest home run distance recorded.

From the semifinals onward, the top four hitters will be seeded for head-to-head matchups. The seeding will be No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3. In these semifinal and final rounds, each player receives 15 swings. Any ties in the semifinals or finals will be broken by a three-swing swing-off.

Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|—|—|
| Event | 2026 MLB Home Run Derby |
| Date | Monday, July 13, 2026 |
| Time | 8 p.m. ET (Pre-show at 7 p.m. ET) |
| Venue | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia |
| Broadcast | Exclusively on Netflix |
| Format | Swing-based (no clock), 20 swings in Round 1, 15 in subsequent rounds |

This development signifies a major shift in how a marquee MLB event is presented to fans. The move to Netflix could attract a different demographic of viewers, while the elimination of the clock promises a potentially more dynamic and unpredictable competition. The focus on swings rather than time could also lead to new strategic approaches from the participating power hitters.

Source: Yahoo Sports – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/time-home-run-derby-tonight-043001495.html

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