The Home Run Derby has seen a number of iterations over the years, but 2022 will be a repeat of 2021. While MLB used to have an out system, it has made like the NBA and done away with its failure conditions, instead giving players a time trial.
The current version of the derby also employs a bracket system, in which players square off against each other one at a time.
This has led to some truly epic showdowns, perhaps most notably Pete Alonso vs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2019. Last year was not without its fireworks, however, as Trey Mancini became a fan darling by getting runner-up just a year after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Here's a look at the current format of the Home Run Derby, and what to expect during Monday's slugfest.
2022 Home Run Derby format and rules
Round 1
Round 1 of the Home Run Derby will feature eight players competing against each other head-to-head in a bracket style format. Seeding is determined by home run totals heading into the All-Star break.
Batters get three minutes to hit, plus 30 seconds of bonus time. An additional 30 second can be earned if the player hits a homer 475-plus feet in regulation, leading to four minutes total.
MORE: All-Star snubs: 10 players who should have made the ASG
Semifinals
Round 2 follows the same rules as Round 1, and home runs do not carry over from round to round. Although the first round's order is determined by seed (the higher seed hits second), the second round is determined by home runs in the previous round (the most home runs in the previous round hits second).
Finals
The final round changes the format up a bit, as batters get just two minutes to swing. The bonus system is still in play, so players get 30 additional seconds and another 30 seconds if they homer 475-plus feet in regulation (three minutes total). The winner will be determined at the end of the final.
In case of a tie
If a round sees a tie, each player will get 60 additional seconds to hit as many homers as they can. Whoever gets the most in that span advances to the next round/wins.
If there is still a tie, each player gets three swings in succession until someone wins.
Timeouts
Players get one timeout during each regulation round, but they cannot call timeouts during bonus time. Timeouts are 45 seconds long and do not carry over from round to round.
