MLB Is Changing The Home Run Derby Format Again

Major League Baseball has gone through several different formats with the Home Run Derby over the years.

The classic 10-outs per round format is perhaps most popular. However, in recent years, MLB has gone to a clocked round format, also adding a one-on-one bracket format at different points.

But as we head into the 2026 Home Run Derby over All-Star Weekend, Major League Baseball is once again changing the format. Hopefully, this one will be the better.

Major League Baseball is going back to the classic outs format as we head into All-Star Weekend.

The Athletic first reported the news on Wednesday.

Details emerge from MLB's new Home Run Derby format

The Athletic's Evan Drellich reported on Wednesday evening that the Home Run Derby will go back to an outs format.

The outs format hasn't been around since 2014.

Here's how it'll work:

• First round: 20 swings
• Second round: 15 swings

"The competitors will receive 20 swings in the first round and 15 in both of the final two rounds. In an added wrinkle, hitters will be able to continue to swing if they homer on the final hack they take each round, until they make an out," The Athletic reported.

"That means that if a batter goes deep on the 20th pitch of the first round, he gets a chance to hit another. And if he hits a home run on No. 21, he can keep going until he finally swings and the ball doesn't leave the park."

What do you make of Major League Baseball changing the format of the Home Run Derby once again?

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 6:29 PM.