How MLB’s New Derby Rules Paved the Way for Munetaka Murakami

Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami is ready to put on a show at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia this Monday night. Having just been activated from the injured list and playing only three games since his return, the star is gearing up for the MLB Home Run Derby—an appearance he admits almost didn’t happen.

A Crucial Format Shift

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Murakami explained through his interpreter that the Derby’s recent rule change was the deciding factor in his participation. Coming off a recent injury, the traditional setup would have been too physically demanding.

“I saw Ohtani-san, you know, at the Home Run Derby as well, and when I was looking through the Home Run Derby this year, the rules had changed,” Murakami said through his interpreter. “If it were the past rules in the past season, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it, but since the rule change, I was more optimistic about being out there and getting into participation.”

Swings Over Seconds

In recent years, the Home Run Derby has operated as a frantic sprint against the clock. Batters raced to hit as many home runs as possible before a timer ran out, earning bonus time for distance.

The new format fundamentally changes the pace of the event:

• First Round: Players are limited to 20 swings, allowing them to be selective with their pitches rather than rushing.

• Final Rounds: The top four hitters advance to a bracket-style format, receiving 15 swings in the final two rounds.

By eliminating the clock, batters can dictate their own rhythm, resting between pitches without being penalized.

Bouncing Back for the South Siders

For Murakami, pacing is everything right now. A hamstring injury sidelined him from late May until July 10th, making a timed, high-intensity endurance contest a major physical risk.

Despite the missed time, Murakami has had a phenomenal year at the plate. He has crushed 20 home runs in just 60 games for the White Sox this season. He currently sits third on the team’s leaderboard, trailing only Colson Montgomery (23) and Miguel Vargas (21).

With the new rules taking the pressure off the clock, Murakami is primed to let his power do the talking in Philadelphia.