Major League Baseball has officially changed the format of the Home Run Derby for the 2026 season, introducing a bracket-style competition with head-to-head matchups. The new format, announced on June 18, 2026, replaces the previous timed round system.
Under the new rules, eight participants will be seeded based on their regular-season home run totals. Each round will consist of a three-minute timed session, with the player hitting the most home runs advancing. In case of a tie, a 60-second swing-off will determine the winner.
The change aims to increase excitement and reduce the length of the event, which has faced criticism in recent years for dragging on. The 2026 Derby is scheduled for July 13 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
MLB confirmed that the new format was developed in consultation with players and broadcast partners. No further details on prize money or participant selection have been released.
