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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 27 sources tracked

MLB Home Run Derby to ditch clock, revive swing-based system: Sources

Major League Baseball is changing the Home Run Derby format for the first time in over a decade. Hitters will use a set number of swings instead of a timed clock. The event will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

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What changed

Sources now confirm the timed clock format was used since 2015.

Live updates

  1. MLB replaces Home Run Derby clock with swing-based system

    Major League Baseball is changing the Home Run Derby format for the first time in over a decade. Hitters will use a set number of swings instead of a timed clock. The event will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

    What's confirmed:

    • MLB is replacing the timed clock in the Home Run Derby with a swing-based system.
    • The event will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The timed setup was used by MLB since 2015.
    • The format change is the first in over a decade.
    confidence 90%

  2. MLB Home Run Derby Replaces Clock with Swing Limit

    Major League Baseball is removing the timed clock from the Home Run Derby for the 2026 All-Star week. Hitters will now operate under a swing-based system. The event will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Home Run Derby is eliminating the clock.
    • The event is switching to a system based on a set number of swings.
    • The 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • First round hitters will have 20 swings.
    • Yordan Alvarez will not participate in the Home Run Derby.
    • The clock removal is intended to increase player comfort.
    • The Astros have not had a competitor since Alex Bregman in 2018 and 2019.
    confidence 90%

  3. MLB Home Run Derby returns to swing-based format

    Major League Baseball is removing the timed clock from the Home Run Derby. The event will return to a system based on a set number of swings. This change occurs during the 2026 All-Star week.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Home Run Derby is removing the timed clock.
    • The event is returning to a format based on a set number of swings.
    confidence 100%

  4. MLB Returns to Swing-Based Home Run Derby Format for 2026

    Major League Baseball is removing the timed clock from the 2026 Home Run Derby. The event will use a traditional swing-based system at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This change follows years of fan criticism regarding the timed format.

    What's confirmed:

    • MLB is changing the Home Run Derby format ahead of the 2026 All-Star game.
    • The 2026 competition will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
    • The league is replacing the timed clock with a traditional approach.
    confidence 100%

  5. MLB to Return Home Run Derby to Swing-Based Format

    Major League Baseball is eliminating the timed clock for the 2026 Home Run Derby. The event will return to a swing-based system for the first time since 2014. The competition will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

    What's confirmed:

    • MLB is removing the clock and returning to a swing-based format for the Home Run Derby.
    • The 2026 event will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
    • The Home Run Derby will be broadcast on Netflix for the first time next month.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Derby is scheduled for Monday, July 13.
    • The competition will consist of three rounds.
    • In the first round, eight players will take 20 swings each, with the ability to continue if they homer on the 20th swing.
    • MLB has not yet officially announced the change.
    confidence 90%