Live From MLB All-Star 2025: ESPN’s Phil Orlins on Adding Live Drone AR Smart-Tracing at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

AR graphics fills the screen in the annual alt-cast of MLB's midsummer fireworks display

Once again, ESPN will supplement its coverage of the MLB Home Run Derby with a special alternate “Statcast Edition” presentation. On top of an abundance of augmented reality graphics, ESPN is debuting live drone AR smart-tracing technology at this year’s Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta.

We spoke with Phil Orlins, VP, Production Technology and Innovation for ESPN to discuss all of the latest on this year’s “Statcast Edition” of the Derby and why the pacing of the event makes it such a unique challenge to broadcast.