Home Run Derby implements format change

The Home Run Derby held in Arlington, Texas is making changes to its format this year. The event, scheduled for July 15th, will now limit the number of pitches each hitter can face in each round and adjust how the opening round is set up.

In the first round and the semifinals, each hitter will have either three minutes or 40 pitches, depending on which benchmark is reached first. In the final round, hitters will have two minutes or 27 pitches. This does not include the bonus periods that hitters will receive in each round.

Under the previous format, there was still a time limit for hitters, but no restrictions on the number of pitches they could face. Bonus pitches will be given to each hitter until they reach three outs during that period. If a hitter hits a home run over 425 feet in the bonus period, they will receive a fourth out.

In the opening round, all eight hitters will compete against each other, with the top four advancing to the semifinals. The semifinalists will be seeded based on the number of home runs they hit in the first round.

Previously, the eight hitters competed in a tournament-style format with one-on-one matchups in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship rounds. They were seeded according to their season home run totals.

While the list of players competing in this year’s Home Run Derby has not been officially announced, Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson shared on social media that he will be participating. Last year’s Home Run Derby was won by Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.