What did you think of the Home Run Derby?

Joe EdingerTue, Jul 14, 2026·1 min read

The first Home Run Derby in Philadelphia in 30 years is over, and it was certainly a memorable one. Hometown hero Kyle Schwarber almost won it but ultimately fell in the final round to Jordan Walker of the Cardinals who had to earn it with home runs on six straight swings to capture the crown.

The Philadelphia crowd was into the event all night, thunderously booing everyone not named Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper, giving the event a type of pro wrestling feel right down to the boxing inspired ring that the players stood on to start the night. It probably won’t go over well with some, but it was Philadelphia displaying its passion in the only way it knows how. The players seemed to know it, as Schwarber urged the crowd on during his at-bats and others like Willson Contreras relished in the boos.

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It was also the first time the derby was broadcast on Netflix and the first of a new format that features 15 swings in the first round and a potential for extra provided a player hit a home run with the final “magenta ball.” It was not timed like in recent years and did not feature head-to-head matchups until the second round, with the initial round being the best four totals advancing.

So, what did you think of the Home Run Derby? Did you like the new format, or do you prefer the old one?