Which Home Run Derby slugger is best suited to take advantage of the new rules?
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will feature a new format limiting hitters to a set number of swings (20 in the first round, 15 in later rounds) instead of outs, emphasizing raw power over endurance.
- Junior Caminero, with the fastest bat speed and longest home runs this season, is favored to win, despite Kyle Schwarber leading in regular-season home runs.
- Traditional metrics like plate discipline are less relevant in this format since pitchers will throw easy pitches, making bat speed and exit velocity the most significant predictors of success.
- Dark horse contenders include Jordan Walker and Jac Caglianone, young sluggers with elite raw power, while veterans like Schwarber and Willson Contreras bring experience and strong bat speed.
- The event at Citizens Bank Park may provide a home advantage to local players like Bryce Harper and Schwarber, but park factors could also benefit left-handed hitters like Ben Rice.
