​Why MLB Home Run Derby hitters will be taking so many pitches with new rule changes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The new format for the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby has the potential for a lot of dead time.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat’s because the rule changes are going to incentivize hitters to take pitches and watch them go into the catcher’s glove until they get one they really want.Nothing will punish takes.The only thing punished will be a swing that doesn’t turn into a home run, and so hitters won’t offer at pitches they don’t believe they can hit out.MORE: Barry Bonds’ nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB DraftThe rule changes leave the door open for taking pitches early and often.A hitter’s length of time at the dish in this Home Run Derby is determined by how many swings he has left. So he can’t afford to take too many swings that don’t leave the yard.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThus, pitches in less-than-ideal spots make sense to take.Hitters will be focused on doing damage on every single pitch.The previous format included a timer which encouraged swings as often as possible. That won’t be the case anymore.In Round 1, hitters get 20 swings. In both the semifinals and finals, hitters get 15 swings.If they homer on their final swing, they get to keep swinging until they don’t homer.Some hitters may take as many as 20 or 30 pitches to get to their 20 swings — although everyone will probably have their own unique approach.It’s going to be a fascinating thing to watch, even if it’s a bit slower-feeling than the past Home Run Derby format.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRintaro Sasaki has a big choice to make between MLB and NPBCC Sabathia’s son gets drafted by one of his former teamsAfter 9 years in the minor leagues, a magical moment for Tigers catcherHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroKyle Schwarber is closing in on a Babe Ruth record