Harper, Schwarber Lead 8-Man Home Run Derby Field as Pitchers Confirmed

Q: Will Netflix's new swing-based format create more drama or kill the Derby's fast-paced excitement?

It is more likely to create a different kind of drama than to kill the Derby, though it will almost certainly slow the pace. The biggest change is the move from a running clock to a fixed number of swings: 20 in the first round and 15 in the semifinals and final. That should make each swing matter more and reduce the exhaustion that often turned later rounds into survival contests. MLB’s aim is clearer television and better-quality swings, not just a blur of home runs. The new “final swing” rule is the strongest argument for added drama. If a hitter homers on his last allotted swing, he keeps going until he records a non-homer. That creates real comeback potential and gives sluggers such as Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper or Junior Caminero a chance to build late-round momentum in front of a crowd. Three-swing tiebreakers in the later rounds should also add direct, high-pressure moments. The risk is obvious: without a clock, hitters can take more pitches and reset between swings, which could drain the frantic energy that defined the ESPN-era Derby. The timed format produced chaos, huge raw totals and constant action; this one is likely to produce fewer homers and more pauses. So the tradeoff is clear. Fans who liked the old rapid-fire spectacle may find this version less electric. Fans who wanted cleaner storytelling, less fatigue and more clutch moments may see a better Derby. On balance, the format should improve suspense, even if it sacrifices some of the event’s old speed.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 13

Eight sluggers now have their Derby throwers set for Monday in Philadelphia, with Bryce Harper choosing Dodgers coach Dino Ebel and Kyle Schwarber sticking with Phillies assistant hitting coach Rafael Pena.
Ebel brings unusual Derby pedigree to Harper's bid: he previously pitched to winners Vladimir Guerrero Sr., Albert Pujols and Teoscar Hernandez, and also threw to Schwarber in last year's winning swing-off.
Several hitters are leaning on familiar family arms instead of club staff, including Ben Rice with his father Dan and Jac Caglianone with his father Jeff, while Junior Caminero returns with Rays coordinator Tomas Francisco after reaching the 2025 final.
The full field pairs Jordan Walker with Cardinals bullpen coach Kleininger Teran, Willson Contreras with Red Sox bench coach Jose Flores, and Munetaka Murakami with White Sox bullpen catcher Luis Sierra.
Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park adds intrigue to the 8 p.m. ET event, with left-handed power bats such as Harper, Schwarber, Rice and Murakami able to target the short right-field porch.