The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be a thrilling showcase of power hitting, with Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, set to host the event on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET. The iconic venue, home to the Texas Rangers, will welcome eight of Major League Baseball's finest sluggers as they compete in a series of electrifying rounds.
Format and Rules
The event's format ensures a competitive and engaging experience for both participants and fans. Each player will have three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to hit as many home runs as possible, and they are allowed one timeout. The top four performers from the first round will advance to the semifinals, where head-to-head matchups will determine who moves on to the final round. In the event of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker.
Unique to this year's event, each hitter will receive three bonus outs after the initial period. A special rule allows players to earn an additional bonus out if they hit a home run of 425 feet or more during their bonus time. The final round will be a battle of endurance and precision, with a reduced time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches.
Confirmed Participants
Among the eagerly anticipated participants is Gunnar Henderson, the first player to confirm his participation, announcing his commitment on June 30. Henderson is joined by Alex Bohm, who entered the lineup on July 5.
Another fan favorite, Pete Alonso, will be making his fifth appearance at the Home Run Derby. Alonso has an impressive track record, having claimed the title in 2019 and 2021. This year, he adds the Derby to an already stellar season that has earned him a spot in his fourth career All-Star Game.
Teoscar Hernández has also shown interest in participating, adding yet another layer of excitement to the already star-studded event.
Notable Absences
While the lineup is strong, several high-profile players have opted out of this year's event. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby champion, will not be participating. Judge's absence is notable, given his dominant performance in previous years. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the latter of whom won the Derby in 2022, have chosen to skip the competition this year. "No, not this year," Soto confirmed, to the disappointment of many fans.
Shohei Ohtani had initially expressed interest in participating again but ultimately decided against it due to his recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani mentioned, underscoring the importance of his health and long-term performance.
What to Expect
Despite these notable absences, the 2024 Home Run Derby is set to be an unforgettable event. With a mix of seasoned participants and eager newcomers, fans can expect fierce competition and jaw-dropping displays of power. Globe Life Field's unique dimensions will challenge participants, who will need to combine raw power with tactical finesse to outshine their competitors.
The Derby’s innovative rules and bonus opportunities add an extra layer of strategy and excitement. The format encourages players to aim not just for quantity but also for distance, leveraging their bonus outs to make every swing count.
As the event approaches, anticipation continues to build. The Derby has long been a highlight of the baseball calendar, offering a mid-season spectacle that showcases the very best of the sport's power hitters. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, this year's competition is poised to deliver another chapter of unforgettable Home Run Derby history. Fans will undoubtedly be glued to their screens or flocking to Globe Life Field to witness every towering shot and final countdown.