MLB Announces Home Run Derby X Format, Dates Featuring Former Players on World Tour

MLB Home Run Derby X is a new global touring brand.

The Home Run Derby X event will be held in London, Korea, and Mexico City. The venue for the London event will be Crystal Palace Park.

Some of the rules for Home Run Derby X were announced by MLB.

Each player on the teams will have a 25-pitch at-bat during the game. Two fielders will be present for each at-bat, and points can be scored via home runs, catches, hitting targets and hitting home runs on hot streak balls for a bonus.

Chris Bengel of CBS Sports said that hitters will take their at-bats on a stage and pitchers will throw from a podium.

The teams will be made up of one former MLB player, one female baseball or softball star, and one player from the Cubs.

Nick Swisher, Adrian Gonzalez, and Geovany Soto are some of the former MLB players who will compete in the Home Run Derby.

The rationale and mission behind Home Run Derby X was stated in a press release.

"Inspired by the success and simplicity of the Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All-Star Game, Home Run Derby X has been developed with the goal of attracting a new audience to baseball; creating high-energy live event experiences and opportunities for digital storytelling."

The Home Run Derby is one of the most popular traditions in Major League Baseball, although it has been limited to the MLB All-Star Game festivities.

Josh Hamilton in 2008, Mark McGwire in 1999, and BryceHarper in 2018) are some of the Home Run Derby performances that are still talked about today.

Pete Alonso of the New York Mets won the Home Run Derby in the year 2021, defeating Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini in the final round.

Home Run Derby X will have a decidedly different feel from the traditional competition, but MLB is looking to take the thrill of the Home Run Derby to major cities across the world.