MLB is scrapping the clock for this year’s Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking the event’s biggest format change in a decade.
Here’s how it works now: **20 swings** in Round 1, **15 swings** in the semifinals, and **15 swings** in the finals. No more racing against time.
The twist? If you go yard on your final swing, you keep swinging until you don’t. It’s that simple.
This year’s field mixes veterans with newcomers. **Bryce Harper** gets to play hero for the home crowd after winning it all back in 2018. **Junior Caminero** returns fresh off his runner-up finish last year, looking to go one step further.
The rest of the lineup includes **Ben Rice** from the Yankees, **Jac Caglianone** from the Royals, **Willson Contreras** now with the Red Sox, and **Jordan Walker** representing the Cardinals. Two spots remain open.
When and Where to Watch
**Date:** Monday, July 13
**Time:** 8 p.m. ET
**Location:** Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Here’s the kicker – you won’t find this on cable. MLB is streaming the entire Derby exclusively on Netflix. It’s a first for the event and signals where baseball’s headed with its marquee programming.
Pre-show coverage starts at 7 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can catch it on Sportsnet.
How the New Format Works
Gone are the brackets for Round 1. All eight hitters get their 20 swings, and the top four advance based on total homers. Ties get broken by longest distance.
From there, it’s seeded matchups: No. 1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3. Each gets 15 swings in head-to-head battles. Same goes for the finals.
If there’s a tie in the later rounds, they settle it with a three-swing swing-off.
The format removes some of the frenetic energy that came with the timed rounds, but it should give hitters more control over their approach. No more rushing through swings as the clock winds down.
Full All-Star Week Schedule
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | TV channel / Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, July 13 | T-Mobile Home Run Derby | 8 p.m. | Netflix |
| Tuesday, July 14 | All-Star Red Carpet Show | 2 p.m. | MLB Network, MLB.com, fubo |
| Tuesday, July 14 | MLB All-Star Game | 8 p.m. | FOX, DIRECTV, fubo |
Confirmed Participants
- **Bryce Harper** (Phillies)
- **Junior Caminero** (Rays)
- **Ben Rice** (Yankees)
- **Jac Caglianone** (Royals)
- **Willson Contreras** (Red Sox)
- **Jordan Walker** (Cardinals)
- TBD
- TBD
Harper’s participation gives Philadelphia fans something special to rally around. He knows how to handle the pressure of the home crowd – remember his 2019 performance in DC? That experience should serve him well.
The new format might actually favor veterans like Harper and Contreras who can pace themselves better than younger hitters who might get swing-happy with 20 attempts in front of them.
With two spots still open, expect MLB to announce the final participants closer to the event. The league usually likes to build suspense and give last-minute invites to players having strong seasons.
