• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

What Is the Most Watched MLB Home Run Derby of All Time?

  • Only two home run derbies since 2020 are among the most watched ever.
  • From 2006-2009, an average of 7.74 million viewers tuned into the MLB Home Run Derby.
July 14, 2008; Bronx, NY, USA; American League outfielder Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers follows through on a swing during the first round of the 2008 All Star home run derby at Yankee Stadium. Hamilton hit a first round record 28 home runs. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Hamilton at the 2008 Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium. Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

At its height, the MLB Home Run Derby was watched by nearly 10 million viewers. Recently, viewership has not been as strong as expected, but the MLB hopes new technological innovations and format changes will rekindle strong numbers in 2025 and beyond.

The most-watched MLB Home Run derbies share similar characteristics: enticing matchups that go down to the wire and plenty of home runs.

The 2008 MLB Home Run Derby was the most-watched derby ever, with 9.1 million viewers. Fans tuned in to watch Josh Hamilton of the Rangers slug 28 home runs in the first round, setting a record.

Justin Morneau eventually won, beating Hamilton in a close final round 5 to 3.

Second is the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby, which drew 8.6 million viewers. The viewership rating reflected a 55% increase from the previous year. The winner, Aaron Judge, hit four home runs over 500 feet during the event.

The 2017 edition was the third year with new rule changes to the format, designed to speed things up to keep audiences interested.

The only other derby with at least 8 million viewers is the 2009 MLB Home Run Derby, which ranks third. 

The 2009 derby was a disappointing showing compared to 2008, with 8.25 million viewers, a 9.5% year-over-year decline. It ran much longer than the scheduled two hours and had one of the lowest total home run hits among the most-watched derbies.

Prince Fielder eventually won, beating Nelson Cruz in the last round 6 to 5, but only 82 home runs were hit on the night.

More home runs don’t necessarily guarantee higher viewership. Three of the top five most-watched MLB Home Run derbies had less than 100 home runs hit in total.

The 2021 MLB Home Run Derby had the most home runs hit of any derby listed with 309. Even though that year’s version marked a renaissance in viewership amid a downward trend, it’s only tied for sixth with 7.1 million viewers.

Ranking The Most-Watched MLB Home Run Derbies Ever

Here is the list of the top 10 most-watched MLB Home Run Derbies based on total viewership. The list was compiled using historical data from Sports Business Journal and ESPN Press Room.

  • Updated: March 27, 2025
RankingYearWinnerTotal Home Runs (All Contestants)Total Viewers
12008Justin Morneau1059.1 million
22017Aaron Judge1958.6 million
32009Prince Fielder828.25 million
T-42004Miguel Tejada887.7 million
T-42002Jason Giambi727.7 million
T-62021Pete Alonso3097.1 million
T-62015Todd Frazier1597.1 million
82012Prince Fielder826.9 million
92022Juan Soto2916.88 million
T-102007Vladimir Guerrero Sr.746.8 million
T-102006Ryan Howard876.8 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

World Series Games 1–2 TV Ratings Are Up With U.S., Canada Combined

U.S. viewership is expectedly down, but it is boosted significantly by Canada.

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic World Series Game 3 Sets Up High-Stakes Game 4

Ohtani will start Game 4 on the mound after another epic performance Monday.
Oct 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The 2025 World Series logo on the field at Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium Games Could Push MLB Payouts to Record Highs

The Dodgers’ big ballpark and ticket prices help fuel postseason player pay.
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during game one of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre.

World Series Games Set Ratings Records on Canada’s Sportsnet

Canada continues to watch MLB broadcasts at historic levels.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
YouTube/ Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.

YouTube in Another Carriage Dispute, This Time With Disney

ESPN and ABC could be dropped from the No. 4 U.S. pay-TV distributor.
May 17, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.
October 23, 2025

Mets, Yankees, and the Nielsen Debate That Won’t Go Away

Weeks after the end of the MLB regular season, viewership issues remain.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center
October 23, 2025

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Brian Windhorst
October 23, 2025

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
October 22, 2025

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
Candace Parker
October 22, 2025

Candace Parker Wants NFL-Style Coverage From NBA Media

Amazon will stream its first NBA doubleheader Friday.
Netflix
October 21, 2025

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.