HR Derby preview: Stars ready to light up Philly

HR Derby preview: Stars ready to light up Philly

·
Getty

Who's ready to see some dingers?

The 2026 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby takes place Monday night in Philadelphia, as eight of the sport's most feared sluggers square off to swing for the fences. Here's everything you need to know about the event.

What time does it start?
8 p.m. ET

Where can I watch it?
For the first time, the Derby will be exclusively broadcast on Netflix.

Who's taking part?
A star-studded field, to be sure. Here are the eight participants:

Player Team 2026 HRs Odds
Jac Caglianone Royals 15 +650
Junior Caminero Rays 28 +450
Willson Contreras Red Sox 20 +900
Bryce Harper Phillies 20 +650
Munetaka Murakami White Sox 20 +400
Ben Rice Yankees 29 +900
Kyle Schwarber Phillies 32 +300
Jordan Walker Cardinals 22 +650

⚾️ Bet on the Home Run Derby with theScore Bet here

Caminero (2025), Harper (2013 and '18), and Schwarber (2018 and '22) have all participated in past Home Run Derbies. Harper won the event in 2018 and will be trying to become just the fifth player with multiple Derby wins.

What are the format changes? For the first time in several years, MLB tweaked the Derby format by ditching the clock. Players will now get 20 swings in the first round and 15 in both Round 2 and the finals. A player who homers on his final swing of the round can keep on swinging until they fail to hit another one out.

There's no bracket in Round 1. The top four players by first-round home-run totals will advance to the semifinals, where they'll be seeded one through four and face off head-to-head (No. 1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3) for a spot in the finals. Any ties in Round 1 will be broken by longest home run hit. If there are ties in the semis or final round, they'll be broken via a best-of-three swing-off between contestants.

Everybody got all that? Good.

What about the ballpark? Glad you asked. Citizens Bank Park has always had a hitter-friendly reputation, and that should lead to some fun in the Derby. Here are the park's dimensions:

Area Distance Wall Height
LF Pole 329' 10'6"
LF Alley 374' 10'6"
"Monty's Angle" (Deep Left-Center) 409' 19'
Dead CF 401' 6'
Right-Center 387'-385' 19'-12'8"
RF Alley 369' 13'3"
RF Pole 330' 13'3"

Citizens Bank Park has a park factor of 103 this year, according to Statcast, tied for the sixth-highest in MLB. It's been playing slightly above average for hitters in 2026. It will be a clear night in Philadelphia with some expected light winds that could aid sluggers.

What's the prize? Besides bragging rights, the winner gets $1 million in addition to this sweet chain that shows off the best of Philly and celebrates the United States' semiquincentennial.

US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

CA: Please play responsibly. AB (18+) & ON (19+) only. If gambling is affecting your mental health or well-being, 211 Alberta is here to help. Call or text 211 or visit ab.211.ca (AB). Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca (ON).

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS
MORE STORIES