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MLB upgrades format for Home Run Derby with longer swings

ESPN MLB •
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MLB is making significant changes to the All-Star Home Run Derby by eliminating the clock for the first round, allowing each player 20 swings. This adjustment aligns with a broader shift as the league moves its broadcast to Netflix after years with ESPN. The new format will keep competition tight, with top hitters advancing based on distance of their longest homer.

Each round will use 15 swings, ensuring players must hit consistently until they miss. The rebranded structure aims to heighten tension and emphasize performance over timing. This change signals a strategic pivot toward modernizing the event while maintaining its competitive intensity.