2026 Home Run Derby to Use Fixed Swing Counts Instead of Timed Rounds

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper said aluminum bats should be used in the Home Run Derby to produce more home runs, specifically when the gold balls come out. The 2026 Home Run Derby replaces timed or out-based rounds with a fixed number of swings: 20 in the first round, 15 in the semifinals, and 15 in the finals.

The new format was implemented after concerns about physical strain from continuous maximum-effort swings under a clock.

870 OPS. He is one of eight participants. The field also includes teammate Kyle Schwarber along with Ben Rice, Junior Caminero, Jac Caglianone, Willson Contreras, and Jordan Walker. The eighth participant has not yet been announced.

A Society for American Baseball Research study found aluminum bats produce exit speeds 16.37 mph higher than wood bats. In past derbies, gold balls appeared at key moments such as a hitter's final out and sometimes triggered charitable donations when hit for home runs. Harper hit a two-run double against Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes during the fourth inning.