Major League Baseball Changes Rules and Broadcasting for 2026 Home Run Derby
美國職棒大聯盟更改 2026 年全壘打大賽規則與轉播安排
Introduction
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will take place on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This year's event features a new competition format and will be broadcast primarily on Netflix.
2026 年 MLB 全壘打大賽將於 7 月 13 日在費城的公民銀行球場舉行。今年的賽事採用新的競賽形式,並將主要在 Netflix 上轉播。
Main Body
The 2026 event introduces a major change by replacing the timed rounds used since 2015 with a specific number of swings. Players now have 20 swings in the first round, followed by 15 swings in the semifinals and finals. However, if a player hits a home run on their last attempt, they are allowed to keep swinging. The top four players from the first round move to the semifinals, and distance is used to break any ties. The final rounds use a head-to-head bracket system, where ties are decided by a three-swing 'swing-off'.
2026 年的賽事引入了一項重大變革,將 2015 年起採用的限時賽制替換為特定的揮擊次數。球員在第一輪有 20 次揮擊機會,隨後在準決賽和決賽中各有 15 次揮擊。然而,如果球員在最後一次嘗試中擊出全壘打,則允許繼續揮擊。第一輪表現最佳的四名球員將晉級準決賽,若出現平手則以距離決定。決賽則採用單場對決的對陣系統,平手時由三次揮擊的「揮擊對決」來決定勝負。
In terms of media, broadcasting rights have moved to Netflix as part of a three-year deal, moving away from traditional channels like ESPN. MLB emphasized that this shift is intended to make the sport more popular with a global audience. The broadcast team will be led by announcer Matt Vasgersian, supported by analysts Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Anthony Rizzo, and Hunter Pence.
在媒體方面,轉播權已透過一份三年合約轉移至 Netflix,不再依賴如 ESPN 等傳統頻道。MLB 強調,此舉旨在提高這項運動在全球觀眾中的普及度。轉播團隊將由播報員 Matt Vasgersian 領軍,並由分析師 Barry Bonds、Albert Pujols、Anthony Rizzo 和 Hunter Pence 提供支持。
The competition features eight players, including veterans and new stars. Philadelphia's own Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are top contenders, especially since Schwarber currently leads the league with 32 home runs. Other participants include Ben Rice, Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Willson Contreras, Munetaka Murakami, and Jac Caglianone. Many players have carefully chosen their pitchers, selecting either family members or professional coaches. Furthermore, the financial rewards are high, with the winner receiving $1 million and the runner-up receiving $500,000.
本次競賽共有八名球員參加,包括資深球星與新秀。費城的 Bryce Harper 和 Kyle Schwarber 是頂尖競爭者,尤其是 Schwarber 目前以 32 支全壘打領先全聯盟。其他參賽者包括 Ben Rice、Junior Caminero、Jordan Walker、Willson Contreras、村上宗隆以及 Jac Caglianone。許多球員精心選擇了他們的投手,選用了家人或專業教練。此外,獎金非常豐厚,冠軍可獲得 100 萬美元,亞軍可獲得 50 萬美元。
Conclusion
The event starts at 8 p.m. ET on July 13 and will stream exclusively on Netflix, as eight players compete for the title in Philadelphia.
賽事將於 7 月 13 日東部時間晚上 8 點開始,並由 Netflix 獨家轉播,八名球員將在費城爭奪冠軍。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'B2 Jump': From Basic Lists to Logical Flow
An A2 student describes things in a list: "The game is on July 13. It is on Netflix. The prize is $1 million."
To reach B2, you must stop writing lists and start building complex connections. Look at how this article connects ideas using "Bridge Words."
🌉 The Connector Toolkit
1. The 'Contrast' Bridge: However
- A2 Style: "They have 20 swings. But if they hit a home run, they continue."
- B2 Style: "Players now have 20 swings... However, if a player hits a home run on their last attempt, they are allowed to keep swinging."
- Coach's Tip: Use However at the start of a sentence to signal a surprising change in the rules or situation.
2. The 'Addition' Bridge: Furthermore
- A2 Style: "And the money is high."
- B2 Style: "Furthermore, the financial rewards are high..."
- Coach's Tip: Stop using "And" to start sentences. Furthermore tells the reader: "I have already given you some facts, and now I am adding an even more important one."
3. The 'Purpose' Bridge: Intended to
- A2 Style: "They want to make the sport popular."
- B2 Style: "...this shift is intended to make the sport more popular..."
- Coach's Tip: Instead of saying "They want," use "It is intended to." This shifts the focus from the person to the goal, making your English sound professional and academic.
🛠️ Level-Up Summary
| A2 Level (Simple) | B2 Level (Fluid) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| But... | However... | More formal contrast |
| And... | Furthermore... | Sophisticated addition |
| They want to... | Is intended to... | Focus on objective/purpose |