• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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

Ted Cruz: ‘Why Is It So Hard Just to Watch the Game?’

“Streaming may well be the future, but it shouldn’t sideline the fans,” Cruz said.
Front Office Sports
exclusive

Jayson Werth: Winning Belmont Stakes ‘Comparable’ Emotions to World Series

Werth spoke to FOS at Churchill Downs about the race day high.

Mets, Dodgers, Pitch Clock Push MLB to Best April Attendance Since 2017

The league eyes a third straight boost at the gates this season.

Mile High, Rock Bottom: Rockies Stumble Toward MLB Infamy

The club is off to the worst start in modern National League history.

Featured Today

Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
Mar 22, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Joao Fonseca (BRZ) reacts after winning a point against Ugo Humbert (FRA)(not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 6, 2025

João Fonseca Is a Teen Tennis Phenom. His Parents Are Overseeing His..

The Brazilian is forgoing a management team in favor of his parents.
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.

Caitlin Clark Is Still Must-See TV, Even in the WNBA Preseason

Indiana will have 41 regular-season games nationally televised or streamed.
May 4, 2025

Kentucky Derby Sets Ratings, Betting Records Despite Attendance Dip

The crowd of 147,406 at Churchill Downs was down 6% from last year.
May 5, 2025

NBA Misses a Dynasty Duel—but Gains a Star-Making Moment

The Warriors defeated the Rockets in seven games.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
Fubo-TV
May 2, 2025

Fubo Loses Subscribers; Focused on Disney Deal Despite Antitrust Probe

The streaming company plans to debut its planned sports bundle this fall.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; ESPN president John Skipper during the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium.
exclusive
May 2, 2025

Former ESPN President John Skipper Leaving Meadowlark Media

Skipper co-founded the company with host Dan Le Batard in 2021.
May 1, 2025

Formula One Courts Bidders As ESPN Exclusivity Laps Out

The motorsports property is in the final year of its ESPN deal.
May 1, 2025

How Larry Collmus Became the Longest-Running Kentucky Derby Caller

Collmus will call his 15th straight Derby on NBC.