​The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is finally upon us. This year’s event is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, hosting eight hitters with five representing the American League. The following day, seven participants will take part in the MLB All-Star Game.
A notable change for the Derby this season is its format. Hitting will not be governed by a clock; instead, contestants will have a fixed number of swings in each round. In the first round, hitters will get 20 swings, while both the semifinals and finals will consist of 15 swings each. If a player hits a home run on the final swing of any round, he can keep swinging until a swing results in a non-home run, effectively allowing extended hitting for a lengthy streak.
For fans in central Ohio and beyond, here are the key details to know about watching the Home Run Derby on July 13. The first participant to accept an invitation was Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman who finished as the runner-up in 2025 to Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. He was followed by New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice as the second confirmed participant.
The field so far includes:
– Junior Caminero, Rays third baseman (27 home runs in 2025)
– Ben Rice, Yankees first baseman (28 home runs in 2025)
– Jordan Walker, Cardinals right fielder (22 home runs in 2025)
– Bryce Harper, Phillies first baseman (20 home runs in 2025)
Event specifics:
– Date: Monday, July 13
– Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
– Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Television and streaming details are crucial for planning. Unlike many sports events, the 2026 Home Run Derby will not be broadcast on traditional television channels. Instead, it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix. If you decide to subscribe, the lowest current Netflix plan is the Ad-Supported Basic option at $8.99 per month, which provides access with ads.
Last season’s Derby crowned Cal Raleigh of the Mariners as the champion, continuing a recent trend of standout power performances. For historical context, here’s a quick snapshot of Home Run Derby champions dating back to 2016:
– 2018: Bryce Harper (Nationals)
– 2020: The event was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
– 2021: Pete Alonso (Mets)
– 2025: Cal Raleigh (Mariners)
If you’re looking for a quick reference, the 2026 Derby will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on July 13, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with streaming exclusively on Netflix. As always, fan interest centers on the power displays from the eight sluggers, the evolving format that tests endurance with a fixed swing limit, and the drama of whether a late-round swing can extend a hot streak.