The highly anticipated 2024 Home Run Derby is poised to electrify baseball fans as it unfolds in Arlington, Texas. Globe Life Field, the home stadium of the Texas Rangers, will serve as the grand stage for this marquee event, set for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
An Evolving Format
This year's derby will feature a dynamic format that promises to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. All eight participants will square off in the first round, with each player allotted three minutes or 40 pitches—whichever comes first—to hit as many home runs as possible. Each participant is also allowed one timeout. The top four sluggers from this round, based on the number of home runs, will advance to the semifinals. In case of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker.
Players will have an opportunity to earn additional chances to swing for the fences. After the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, each participant will receive three bonus outs. A home run of 425 feet or more during this bonus time will grant them a fourth bonus out. As the competition heats up, the semifinal round will feature head-to-head matchups between the top four home run hitters.
The final round will ratchet up the intensity even further, reducing the time limit to two minutes or 27 pitches. The slugger who hits the most home runs in the finals will emerge victorious, claiming the coveted Home Run Derby title.
The Confirmed Stars
Gunnar Henderson was the first participant to cement his place in the 2024 Home Run Derby, making his commitment on June 30. Shortly thereafter, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5, adding more firepower to the field.
A seasoned veteran of the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso, will also be participating. Alonso, who has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, is no stranger to this event, having won the derby in both 2019 and 2021. This year will mark his fifth appearance, and fans are eager to see if he can add another title to his impressive resume.
Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in participating, adding an element of suspense as the roster continues to take shape. However, some notable sluggers have opted out of this year's competition.
Notable Absences
Aaron Judge, who last participated in the Home Run Derby in 2017 and claimed the title, has decided not to return to the event this year. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto have chosen to skip the derby. Soto, who won the 2022 Home Run Derby, confirmed his absence, saying, "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani, initially expressed interest in participating again, has ultimately decided against competing due to his ongoing recovery from elbow surgery 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 explained.
Anticipation Builds
With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars in the lineup, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be a thrilling showcase of power and skill. As fans flock to Globe Life Field and tune in from around the world, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of baseball brilliance.
Stay tuned as more participants are confirmed and the excitement continues to build. The countdown to July 15 has begun, and all eyes will be on Arlington, Texas, for an explosive display of home run heroics.