Why the new Home Run Derby format on Netflix could be a disaster
· Yahoo Sports
MLB returns to Netflix tonight for the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Netflix previously aired the opening night game between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants to what can generously be described as “mixed” reviews.
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The first ever Home Run Derby on Netflix will feature a new format. It will be MLB’s third format change in just over a decade after they decided the classic outs-based derby format which they used for three decades was no longer viable.
This year each player will get a set number of swings with no time limit. If you think that could be a recipe for disaster, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most prominent names in baseball media agrees.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was asked about the new format on “First Take” this morning and did not mince words about what could happen if hitters take their time.
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“I think it’s gonna stink,” said Passan. “And genuinely, I’m worried about that because the whole reason that the timer came in in the first place is because it felt really slow and the timer brought urgency. The timer brought a countdown and an end. We’re just gonna see tonight I think, time between pitches, it’s gonna grind a little bit.”
Passan went on to say that Junior Caminero, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper can all hit the ball really far so that will still be cool, but he brings up a very valid point. With no time limit and a finite number of swings guys wouldn’t be taking the event seriously if they weren’t waiting for pitches they really like.
‘Eventize’ the disaster
If that’s the case, there will be extra pressure on Netflix to keep viewers interested. Luckily, they’ve got some tricks up their sleeve. And they even made up a word to describe how they’re treating sports. Via Sports Business Journal:
“The thing that they continue to do is they ‘eventize’ their programming. That’s their verb, and they’ve made good use of it,” said Lee Berke, president and CEO of LHB Sports, Entertainment and Media. “They were able to do that with the Giants-Yankees game on Opening Day, and I’m intrigued to see what they’re going to do with Home Run Derby. They’re going to try things out in baseball, and baseball distribution is ripe for innovation.”
Considering the reaction to their opening night broadcast, who knows what bells and whistles they have in store for fans while the Home Run Derby on their second screens.
Unless the players involved tonight put on an epic and efficient show, tomorrow morning should feature the usual opinion pieces and rants about how to fix the derby for next year. Just by putting it on Netflix means there’s a whole new party to blame if it’s anything besides an instant classic. So at the very least they’ve found a way to eventize the Home Run Derby conversation.