Earlier this week, Major League Baseball’s annual Home Run Derby was streamed live on Netflix. Over the last several years, the streaming company has grown immensely, producing its own movies and shows while also live streaming sporting events such as MMA fights, boxing matches, and NFL games.
In fact, some of the first games of the 2026 Major League Baseball season were streamed live on Netflix. In an effort to give fans a unique viewing experience, they have staffed their commentary room with baseball legends such as CC Sabathia, Barry Bonds, and Albert Pujols.
As was the case during their playing careers, fans either love or hate these commentators with very few opinions falling somewhere in between. What was pretty universal, though, was how fans felt about Will Ferrell being brought in for the derby.
Netflix viewers did not like Will Ferrell doing introductions at the Home Run Derby
Ferrell, of course, is a comedic actor known for his roles in movies such a “Anchorman” and “Elf,” and for his appearances on “Saturday Night Live.”
Many fans, though, believe that he is not as funny as he used to be, and that Netflix bringing him in to introduce the players competing at the Home Run Derby was a poor decision.
One X user posted, “I liked it better when the All-Star Game and related festivities were just BASEBALL, not a production, and accessible to everyone on broadcast television. @Netflix is producing the worst production of a Home Run Derby in history. What is wrong with you,@MLB?!?!”
Another wanted Ferrell muted, posting, “Shut his mic off I’m so deada–.”
“By far, with absolutely no doubt, the worst part of the entire broadcast and that’s saying something. Horrific in fact,” posted another.
Needless to say, fans were not really a big fan of the production as a whole. Major League Baseball changed the rules for the Home Run Derby this year, doing away with timed rounds and 10 outs and giving contestants a set number of swings per round. While it did limit the time that the derby took and added some excitement, many were not thrilled with the changes.
The addition of Ferrell in the broadcast can only be explained by the fact that Netflix is releasing his newest movie, a golf comedy called “The Hawk,” on July 16. The streaming service was obviously trying to publicize its release by including the movie’s star in the Home Run Derby.
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