2-time HR Derby champ Alonso on new '26 format: 'I think it's really smart'

ANAHEIM -- Pete Alonso is a two-time Home Run Derby champion, having won the title in both 2019 and ‘21. The Orioles slugger (who spent the first seven seasons of his eight-year MLB career with the Mets) is also a five-time Derby participant, as he competed in the event every time it was held from 2019-24.

But the 2026 Home Run Derby will have a different format than any of the ones Alonso participated in. This year’s event -- which is scheduled to be held on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia -- is changing the way the Derby operates.

There will no longer be a timer, which had been part of the contest since 2015. Instead, the eight Derby hitters will start each round with a finite number of swings: 20 in Round 1, 15 in Round 2 and 15 in the final round.

Every swing counts toward the allotment. If a player homers on his final swing, he keeps going until he does not homer.

So, what does Alonso -- a Derby legend in his own right -- think of the new rules?

“I think it’s really smart, because I think the whole specialness of the Derby is being able to see the swing and see the ball leave the bat, see the ball travel,” Alonso said. “I know more homers, obviously, are great, but I think there’s a diminishing return, where the magic and the specialness of the Derby is allowing the people to watch the ball go over the wall and see how far it goes and see people go crazy for the ball and stuff like that.

“I think, for me, that’s the magic and the allure of it and the specialness of the event. So I’m glad that they’re changing it back.”

Alonso didn’t participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby, instead opting to spend the downtime with his wife, Haley. But he had the Derby playing on a TV in the background that night.

That’s when Alonso first realized the time-based format may not be the best viewing experience for fans. Hitters were swinging at balls so quickly that it was hard to keep up.

Baltimore shortstop Gunnar Henderson (who participated in the 2024 Home Run Derby) agrees with Alonso, noting he’s also a fan of the changes coming this year.

“As a player, you kind of want to watch it. As a fan, you want to watch it. But as that one’s leaving, the next one’s coming,” Henderson said. “So it’s like you don’t even really get to watch it. It’s just a race, essentially, to hit as many as you can. So I’m in favor of kind of the older [swing-based] format. I think it’ll be pretty good this year.”

Although the format is changing, Alonso doesn’t believe it will impact what makes somebody a successful Home Run Derby hitter.

“You’ve got to have a good BP thrower, and then, obviously, you’ve got to stay composed,” Alonso said. “I know every swing means more, but I think the biggest thing is your swing feels good and your BP guy’s locked in. That’s the key.”

The O’s didn’t have a representative in the 2025 Derby, but they have several worthy candidates this year. Alonso (18 home runs) and Henderson (16) are the club’s homer leaders, while rookie catcher Samuel Basallo has 12 and is known for putting on impressive shows in BP.

Alonso is one of only four sluggers to win multiple Home Run Derby championships, along with Ken Griffey Jr. (1994, ‘98 and ‘99), Prince Fielder (2009 and ‘12) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013 and ‘14). Does the Polar Bear plan to eventually return to the Derby to go for a third title?

“Yeah, I mean, for sure,” Alonso said. “I probably wouldn’t do it if I’m not in the [All-Star] Game.”

Henderson is also open to another Home Run Derby appearance after he got eliminated in the first round in his lone showing at the 2024 event in Arlington, Texas.

“Maybe down the road,” Henderson said.

But even if Alonso and Henderson aren’t participants in the 2026 Derby, they’ll be looking forward to watching how the new format makes for a better viewing experience -- both for fans and interested players supporting their fellow stars.

“I get the idea behind the time-based, but in reality, it’s just not the greatest format for guys because obviously you want to see the home runs,” Henderson said. “Let the guys get their ‘A’ swings off all the time and not just sit there and have to race a time limit.”