2026 MLB Home Run Derby Preview: Participants, Format, Odds & How to Watch

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Written By Nick Crain | Published at July 13, 2026
Jul 11, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) looks on after an at bat in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby returns on Monday night as one of baseball’s most anticipated events of All-Star Week. Hosted at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, this year’s field features a mix of established sluggers, emerging stars and hometown favorites, all competing for one of the sport’s most entertaining titles.

Here’s everything fans need to know before the event kicks off.

Home Run Derby Participants

Eight hitters will compete in the 2026 Home Run Derby, with a field that blends MVP-caliber veterans and some of baseball’s brightest young power hitters.

Philadelphia fans will have plenty to cheer for, as both Harper and Schwarber will be hitting in front of the home crowd. Harper is making another Derby appearance after previously winning the event in Washington in 2018, while Schwarber enters as one of baseball’s premier power hitters after leading the majors in home runs for much of the 2026 season.

Several first-time participants add intrigue as well. Caminero has quickly developed into one of the game’s most exciting young sluggers, Ben Rice has broken out with the Yankees, Caglianone brings elite raw power as one of baseball’s top rookies, and Murakami continues his transition from Japanese baseball after arriving in Major League Baseball this season.

Home Run Derby Format

The Home Run Derby will once again feature an eight-player bracket, although MLB has introduced updated rules for the 2026 event.

The first round consists of each hitter taking 20 swings rather than hitting against a time limit. The four players with the highest home run totals advance to the semifinals, regardless of head-to-head seeding. The semifinalists then receive 15 swings each, with the top two advancing to the championship round, which also consists of 15 swings.

Players still receive bonus opportunities by hitting sufficiently long home runs, creating opportunities for dramatic late-round rallies. The updated swing-based format is designed to create a more even playing field while reducing the pace issues that occasionally surfaced under the previous timed format.

Home Run Derby Odds

Entering Monday’s event, Kyle Schwarber sits atop most sportsbooks as the betting favorite thanks to his league-leading power numbers and the advantage of competing in his home ballpark. Here's the latest odds, via FanDuel Sportsbook.

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In this type of event, there's always a very high level of uncertainty with odds. All it takes is for one player to get into a rhythm and win it all. Conversely, it's easy for anyone to have one bad round and get eliminated. As such, taking one of the underdogs can be a good play.

How to Watch

The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby takes place on Monday, July 13, from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET, with the event streaming live on Netflix as part of MLB’s All-Star Week festivities. The Derby serves as the centerpiece of Monday’s schedule before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game takes place the following evening.

Whether you’re tuning in to watch hometown favorites Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, baseball’s next generation of sluggers, or simply one of the sport’s most entertaining annual showcases, the 2026 Home Run Derby promises another memorable night of tape-measure home runs and dramatic finishes.

This is one of the most historic events in all of baseball, and one of the most popular for fans of all teams to watch.

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