Forget launch angle. Forget exit velocity. Tonight is one of the few nights baseball completely embraces chaos. Eight guys step into the box with one goal: hit baseballs into the next ZIP code.
The 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby gets underway tonight at 8:00 PM ET from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and for the first time in over 30 years, you won't find it on ESPN. It's streaming exclusively on Netflix, so if you're still asking what channel it's on... congratulations, you just aged yourself.
The Favorites
Kyle Schwarber (+340) enters as the betting favorite, and it's easy to see why. He's playing in his home ballpark, has ridiculous raw power, and Phillies fans will make every homer sound like the winning run in Game 7.
Close behind are:
- Junior Caminero (+490)
- Munetaka Murakami (+470)
- Jordan Walker (+600)
- Bryce Harper
- Jac Caglianone
- Willson Contreras
- Ben Rice (+900)
Ben Rice is the biggest long shot of the group, but remember... this isn't a seven-game series. It's one hot streak. All it takes is finding a groove for about five minutes and suddenly everyone's ripping up their betting tickets.
Is Last Year's Champion Back?
Nope.
Cal Raleigh, who won the 2025 Derby, isn't participating this year because of injuries. That guarantees we'll crown a new Home Run Derby champion tonight.
New Rules
MLB changed the format again.
Instead of racing against the clock, hitters now get:
- 20 swings in Round 1
- 15 swings in both the semifinals and finals
Every swing matters now. No more taking pitches or trying to catch your breath. Think of it like golf—you only get so many shots, so don't top one into the infield.
Charity & Fan Fun
MLB is once again running its T-Mobile Home Run Derby Pick 'Em, where fans can make predictions for a chance to win prizes, including a $100,000 grand prize. The event also continues its tradition of supporting community initiatives throughout All-Star Week.
My Betting Thoughts
If you're looking for the safest play, Schwarber deserves to be the favorite.
If you're hunting value, I don't hate Jordan Walker or Ben Rice. In these contests, momentum matters more than season stats. One guy catches fire and suddenly he's putting baseballs on I-95.
Just remember...
Betting the Home Run Derby is a lot like betting your buddy in a drinking contest. You think you've got the right guy... then someone you've never heard of starts launching baseballs into orbit.
Either way, grab a cold one, enjoy the fireworks, and don't be surprised if the longest home run of the night ends up traveling farther than your last golf drive.