Streaming exclusively on Netflix, the event features eight sluggers including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber
Category: Sports
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby is set to take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking a historic shift in the event's broadcasting and format. For the first time since 1994, ESPN will not carry the event, which will be streamed exclusively on Netflix starting at 8 p.m. ET, with special coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
This year's derby is particularly special, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States and taking place in a city renowned for its baseball heritage. The competition will feature a lineup of eight hitters, including local favorites Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, who are expected to draw large crowds of enthusiastic fans.
In a departure from the traditional timed format that has dominated the derby for nearly a decade, MLB has implemented a new swing-based system. Each participant will have a set number of swings: 20 in the first round and 15 in both the semifinals and finals. Notably, a round cannot end on a home run; if a player hits a home run on their final swing, they will continue swinging until they make an out. This change aims to create a more suspenseful atmosphere for viewers and allow players to focus on their swings.
The Home Run Derby will see eight participants competing for a grand prize of $1 million, with the runner-up receiving $500,000 and each of the remaining players earning $150,000 just for participating. A bonus of $100,000 will be awarded for the longest home run of the night, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The field of competitors includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Bryce Harper, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, returns to the derby for the first time since winning it in 2018 as a member of the Washington Nationals. Harper has had a strong season, hitting 20 home runs with 57 RBIs. He expressed his excitement about participating again, stating, "I can’t wait to swing for the fences in front of my home crowd."
Joining Harper is Kyle Schwarber, who leads all of Major League Baseball with 32 home runs at the All-Star break. Schwarber's participation was confirmed after he assured fans that his recent back issues would not hinder his performance. Other notable participants include Munetaka Murakami, a rookie with the Chicago White Sox; Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays; Ben Rice of the New York Yankees; Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals; Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox; and Jordan Walker from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Junior Caminero, who finished as the runner-up in last year's derby, is looking to capitalize on his momentum. The 23-year-old has already established himself as a formidable presence in the league with 28 home runs this season. Meanwhile, Walker, at just 24 years old, is making his derby debut after a breakout season that has seen him hit 22 home runs.
In terms of broadcasting, this year’s event will feature a star-studded lineup of analysts, including all-time home run king Barry Bonds, alongside retired greats Hunter Pence, Anthony Rizzo, and CC Sabathia. Elle Duncan will serve as the lead host, with Matt Vasgersian providing play-by-play commentary and Lauren Shehadi reporting from the field. This diverse team is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and excitement to the broadcast, enhancing the viewer experience.
As the Home Run Derby prepares to kick off, anticipation is building for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, which will follow on Tuesday, July 14, also at Citizens Bank Park, starting at 8 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on FOX. The All-Star Game promises to showcase the best talent in baseball, highlighting the skills of the players who have made it to this prestigious event.
The derby’s new format and Netflix's exclusive streaming rights mark a turning point for how Major League Baseball presents its marquee events. Fans can expect a more engaging and suspenseful viewing experience without the pressure of a ticking clock. The changes have already generated buzz among fans and analysts alike, who are eager to see how the new format will affect the competition.
As excitement builds, the Home Run Derby is not just about the competition; it’s about the memories created, the families gathered, and the love for the game. As Billy Beane once said, "How can we not be romantic about dingers?" This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who cherish the annual spectacle of home runs soaring into the night sky.
With the Home Run Derby set to commence, the eyes of baseball fans across the country will be glued to their screens, eager to witness who will emerge victorious and claim the title of Home Run Derby champion. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere will likely be electric as the participants take their swings in pursuit of glory.
The event is expected to be a fitting tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States, celebrating the sport of baseball and the community and camaraderie that comes with it. As the countdown to the derby continues, : this year’s competition will be one for the ages.