MLB Changes Home Run Derby Rules for 2026 Philadelphia Event
MLB 更改 2026 年費城全壘打大賽規則
Introduction
Major League Baseball has announced that the Home Run Derby, taking place on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park, will move from timed rounds to a system based on a limited number of swings.
美國職棒大聯盟（MLB）宣布，將於 7 月 13 日在公民銀行球場舉行的全壘打大賽，將由計時賽制改為限次揮擊制。
Main Body
The rules for the competition have changed significantly, removing the time limits used between 2015 and 2025. Now, players are given 20 swings in the first round, while those in the semifinals and finals will receive 15 swings per stage. Furthermore, if a player hits a home run on their final swing, they are allowed to keep batting. This change is intended to reduce player fatigue and encourage hitters to be more selective with their pitches.
比賽規則有了重大變更，取消了 2015 年至 2025 年間採用的時間限制。現在第一輪給予 20 次揮擊，而準決賽與決賽則為每階段 15 次。此外，若球員在最後一次揮擊擊出全壘打，則允許繼續擊球。此項變更旨在減少球員疲勞，並鼓勵擊球手更精準地選擇投球。
Experts suggest that Citizens Bank Park is an ideal location for breaking distance records. According to Statcast data, it is the fifth most favorable stadium for home runs among all 30 MLB parks. Because of the stadium's hitter-friendly dimensions, analysts believe Juan Soto's 520-foot record from 2021 could be beaten. This is especially likely since that record was set at Coors Field, which is known for its high altitude.
專家建議公民銀行球場是打破距離紀錄的理想地點。根據 Statcast 數據，在 MLB 所有 30 個球場中，這裡是第五個最有利於全壘打的球場。由於該球場的尺寸對擊球手非常有利，分析師認為 Juan Soto 在 2021 年創下的 520 英呎紀錄有可能被打破。尤其是該紀錄是在以高海拔著稱的 Coors Field 創下的。
The list of participants is almost complete. Confirmed players include Bryce Harper and Jordan Walker, the latter of whom leads the league with 70 RBIs and 21 home runs. However, some stars like Yordan Alvarez have declined to join, and Kyle Schwarber's participation depends on his recovery from a back injury. Additionally, the event will be streamed live on Netflix, representing a change in how the game is broadcast.
參賽名單幾乎完成。已確認的球員包括 Bryce Harper 和 Jordan Walker，後者以 70 分打點和 21 支全壘打領先全聯盟。然而，部分球星如 Yordan Alvarez 已拒絕參加，而 Kyle Schwarber 的參與則取決於其背傷恢復情況。此外，該賽事將在 Netflix 現場直播，代表轉播方式有所改變。
Conclusion
The 2026 Home Run Derby will feature a new swing-count format at a hitter-friendly stadium, showcasing both famous stars and new talent.
2026 年全壘打大賽將在一個對擊球手有利的球場採用新的揮擊次數制，展現名將與新秀的風采。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'B2 Upgrade': Moving from Simple to Complex Connections
An A2 student usually connects ideas with and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to use Complex Connectors that show professional logic.
Look at these specific shifts from the text:
1. The 'Addition' Upgrade
- A2 Style: The game is on July 13 and it is on Netflix.
- B2 Style: *"Additionally, the event will be streamed live on Netflix..."
- The Secret: Use Additionally or Furthermore at the start of a sentence to add a new point. It sounds more formal and structured.
2. The 'Contrast' Upgrade
- A2 Style: Harper is playing but Alvarez is not.
- B2 Style: *"Confirmed players include Bryce Harper... However, some stars like Yordan Alvarez have declined to join."
- The Secret: However is the B2 version of but. It creates a stronger pause and signals to the reader that a contradiction is coming.
3. The 'Precision' Upgrade (The 'Latter' Technique)
- A2 Style: Bryce Harper and Jordan Walker are playing. Jordan Walker has 70 RBIs.
- B2 Style: *"...Bryce Harper and Jordan Walker, the latter of whom leads the league..."
- The Secret: Instead of repeating the name, use the latter to refer to the second person mentioned. This is a high-level B2 move that prevents repetition.
💡 Quick Summary for your Toolkit:
| Instead of... | Try using... | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| And | Furthermore / Additionally | Better flow |
| But | However | More professional |
| (Repeating a name) | The latter | Academic precision |