MLB Home Run Derby format, explained: What to know about new rules, changes in 2026

The premiere event of MLB's All-Star Weekend will look a bit different in 2026.

Not only is Philadelphia set to play host as a nod to the United States' 250th birthday, but Netflix will carry coverage of the Home Run Derby, bringing some new faces to the live action. But even the Derby itself is getting some tweaks.

In June, MLB announced it was reverting the Home Run Derby back to a swing-based competition, though some elements from recent years will remain in-place.

Here's your guide to the new Home Run Derby rules in 2026.

MORE: Who is in the 2026 Home Run Derby?

Home Run Derby format

Since 2015, MLB's Home Run Derby has operated with a timer-based format, giving hitters specific amounts of time to hit as many home runs as possible. That is being changed in 2026, going back to the older fashion.

MLB announced in June that it was reverting to a swing-based format for the Derby in Philadelphia, meaning that instead of players trying to hit as many home runs as possible in a short amount of time, they will be given a specific number of swings.

The bracket itself is set to remain the same as previous years — eight hitters enter into Round 1, then the top-four home run totals from that group advance to the semifinals, where they are seeded based on those home run totals. Two pairs of hitters go head-to-head to determine the finalists, then the two top hitters face off for the trophy.

The "bracket" isn't implemented until the second round, when four hitters are already eliminated.

MORE: Why Shohei Ohtani will be sidelined for 2026 MLB All-Star Game

Home Run Derby new rules

The new Home Run Derby rules in 2026 are based upon a swing-based format, giving hitters a finite amount of swings in each round to hit home runs. At the beginning of a round, a hitter will have a certain amount of swings available — and all swings taken will count toward their allotment, whether it results in a home run or not.

Notably, if a player does hit a home run on their final swing attempt, they can keep taking more swings until they fail to hit a home run. 

During Round 1, the tiebreaker between hitters competing to make Round 2 will be their furthest home-run distance. However, once Rounds 2 and 3 arrive, any ties will be settled with a three-swing swing-off, giving each batter three attempts to swing for the fences.

How many swings does each batter get?

Each round of the 2026 Home Run Derby will provide hitters with a specific number of swings available. Any swing attempt, whether a home run or not, will count toward the allotment.

Here's a look at the swings available per round:

• Round 1: 20 swings
• Round 2: 15 swings
• Round 3: 15 swings